Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies (Print version)
Soft buttery sugar cookies with peppermint flavor and crunchy crushed candy canes for festive occasions.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (approx. 315 g)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (approx. 225 g)
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar (approx. 200 g)
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Coloring & Filling
09 - Red gel food coloring
10 - 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (approx. 50 g)
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
05 - Separate the dough into two equal portions. Knead red gel food coloring into one half until uniformly distributed.
06 - Between sheets of parchment paper, roll each dough portion into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and 9 by 12 inches (23 by 30 cm) in dimension.
07 - Place the red dough rectangle atop the plain dough, gently pressing together and removing the top parchment sheet.
08 - Starting at a long edge, tightly roll the layered dough into a log using the parchment paper to assist. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 1 hour.
09 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10 - Remove dough from refrigeration, unwrap, and slice into 1/4-inch (6 mm) rounds. Position slices on prepared baking sheets with 2-inch (5 cm) spacing.
11 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over each cookie, pressing lightly to adhere.
12 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until edges are just set and bottoms turn lightly golden. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The peppermint adds a surprising, refreshing twist that feels like sharing a secret treat with a friend
- These cookies have a beautiful spiral pattern that makes them as fun to look at as they are to eat
02 -
- Chilling the dough log until very firm before slicing is key to neat swirls that hold shape while baking
- Substituting green gel coloring changes the look but the peppermint spark stays just as bright
03 -
- Patience with chilling is your best friend; it helps maintain those clean peppermint spirals
- The key to the perfect crunch is in the crushed peppermint candies that melt slightly yet keep texture