Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Cookies for Festive Joy

Name: Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp peppermint extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tbsp red food coloring (gel)

Published: October 29, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These peppermint swirl cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers
The delightful combination of flavors creates a festive treat that dazzles on any dessert table
Their vibrant red and white swirls make them visually irresistible, bringing holiday spirit to every gathering
Versatile enough for Christmas or just because, they’ll quickly become a family favorite!

I once surprised my family with these cookies at a last-minute gathering, and their smiles were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it’s the base of your cookie dough.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can be mixed in for extra moisture.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise perfectly; fresh powder guarantees fluffiness.
Unsalted Butter: Always use soft butter for easy mixing and optimal flavor absorption.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together; ensure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor; avoid imitation if possible.
Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way in delivering that festive minty kick!
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds richness and depth to the chocolate portion.
Red Food Coloring: This gives your cookies that eye-catching swirl effect; use gel coloring for vibrancy.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies for Festive Joy

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper while dreaming about how amazing your kitchen will smell shortly.

Create Your Dough Base: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients until just combined.

Add Peppermint Magic: Divide the dough into two portions: one will remain plain while you add peppermint extract and red food coloring to the other half. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant red hue.

Create Swirls of Joy!: Take small pieces from each dough portion and roll them into logs. Twist them together lovingly before rolling into a log shape. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes so they hold their shape when baking.

Bake to Perfection!: Slice chilled dough into rounds about an inch thick and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.

Now that you’ve baked these delightful peppermint swirl cookies, let them cool slightly before diving in! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container to keep that festive spirit alive longer!

You Must Know

Peppermint swirl cookies are a festive delight that tantalize your taste buds
The vibrant colors and minty aroma will brighten up any gathering, making them perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings at home
Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the perfect peppermint swirl cookies, whip up your dough first, then chill it while preheating your oven. This ensures they maintain their shape during baking and develop that delightful texture. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or using dark chocolate instead of white. chocolate chip cookie dough twists You can also experiment with different extracts like almond for a unique flavor twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store your peppermint swirl cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them warm later, just pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing; cold butter leads to lumpy dough
Take care not to overmix once adding flour; this keeps cookies soft and tender
Experiment with the amount of peppermint extract for your desired level of minty goodness

Sometimes, I bake these cookies as a surprise treat for my neighbors during the holidays. Their smiles when they receive a plate filled with colorful delights are priceless!