If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie that looks as stunning as it tastes, these Peppermint Swirl Cookies are your new seasonal favorite. With their beautiful red and white spiral design, crisp edges, and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as an eye-catching addition to your holiday dessert trays.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and cool peppermint freshness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or creating homemade gifts, these cookies bring joy to every bite—and they’re surprisingly simple to make. If you love easy Christmas cookie recipes, holiday baking ideas, or fun desserts for kids, this is the one that will become your go-to festive treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful Presentation: The red-and-white swirls make these cookies picture-perfect for any holiday occasion.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling, layering, and slicing the dough makes this an engaging activity for families.
- Perfect Peppermint Flavor: The blend of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a refreshing, festive taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and baked later, making it great for busy holiday schedules.
- Ideal for Gift-Giving: These cookies look professional, travel well, and stay fresh for days.
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a holiday must-bake—bringing cheer to cookie platters, potlucks, and dessert tables alike.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what makes these cookies so flavorful, soft, and perfectly festive:
All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups) – Provides the structure for the cookies while keeping the texture soft yet crisp at the edges.
Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Salt (½ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened) – The foundation of any good cookie dough. Butter adds richness, structure, and that classic buttery aroma.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the dough while helping achieve a light, crisp texture.
Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds warmth and depth to the peppermint flavor, creating balance.
Peppermint Extract (1 tsp) – The star of the show! It delivers that signature cool minty kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Red Gel Food Coloring – Creates the iconic red-and-white swirl. Gel coloring is recommended for vibrant color without altering dough texture.
Coarse Sugar or Crushed Peppermint Candies (¼ cup) – Used for coating, adding crunch, sparkle, and a hint of extra peppermint flavor.
These ingredients combine into a dough that’s soft, easy to work with, and bakes into perfectly defined spirals every time.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough Twice: This ensures sharp swirls and easy slicing.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Liquid coloring can alter dough texture; gel gives vibrant color without extra moisture.
- Slice with a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, use a serrated knife and slice straight down.
- Avoid Overbaking: Remove cookies when edges just start to turn golden for the best texture.
- Keep Dough Cold: If the dough softens while slicing, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before continuing.
Following these baking hacks guarantees picture-perfect swirls and cookies that taste bakery-quality every time.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Swirls: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary needs.
- Sugar Cookie Swirls: Omit the peppermint extract and use only vanilla for a classic sugar cookie base.
- Sparkle Finish: Roll the dough log in colored sanding sugar before slicing for extra holiday sparkle.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Mix crushed candy canes into the dough for texture and festive flair.
These variations make your cookies customizable for holiday parties, cookie swaps, and family baking days.
Serving Suggestions
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a festive delight on their own but can be elevated even further:
- Serve alongside hot chocolate, peppermint lattes, or holiday punch for cozy gatherings.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a seasonal dessert.
- Add them to Christmas cookie platters or wrap them in clear bags tied with red ribbon for edible gifts.
- Serve at holiday brunches or cookie exchanges for instant crowd appeal.
Their vibrant swirl and refreshing minty flavor make them the star of any dessert table.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept chilled. You can also freeze the dough log for up to 2 months—simply slice and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer-Friendly: Once baked and cooled, freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tip: These cookies stay fresh and flavorful, making them perfect for mailing or gifting during the holidays.
Cultural & Holiday Notes
The swirl design of these cookies echoes the classic peppermint candy cane, one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas cheer. Peppermint desserts date back centuries, with early versions used as holiday treats to freshen breath and celebrate the season. Today, peppermint has become synonymous with winter baking—appearing in hot cocoa, brownies, and now, these beautiful cookies that blend nostalgia with modern charm.
These cookies capture the essence of traditional holiday desserts while being easy enough for modern home bakers. Whether you’re making them for Christmas Eve or a festive cookie exchange, their bright colors and refreshing flavor bring instant joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger. Use only ¼ teaspoon per batch to avoid overpowering flavor.
2. How do I get vibrant red color?
Use gel food coloring, not liquid. AmeriColor or Wilton gels work best for deep, even tones.
3. My dough cracked while rolling—what went wrong?
It may be too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before rolling again.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead for gifting?
Absolutely! These cookies hold their shape and flavor beautifully, making them perfect for holiday gift boxes or mailing to friends.
5. How do I prevent spreading?
Ensure the dough is well chilled before baking. Cold dough maintains shape and swirl definition.
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half. Leave one half plain; color the other half red with gel food coloring.
- Wrap each dough half in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll each dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough and gently press together.
- Roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill again for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Brush the chilled dough log lightly with water or egg white, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
- Slice dough into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool on sheets before transferring to wire rack.
