The holidays are all about baking up little moments of joy, and these Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies are the perfect way to do just that. With their delicate peppermint flavor and whimsical swirl design shaped like a Christmas tree, these cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration.
The first time I made these, I was captivated by how the red and white dough came together in a swirl, creating a stunning visual that’s as festive as it is delicious. The subtle hint of peppermint in every bite makes them feel special, like a celebration of the season.
What I love most about these cookies is how fun they are to make, especially with kids. Let’s whip up some Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies and bring a little holiday magic to your kitchen.
The Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies are buttery sugar cookies flavored with peppermint and shaped into festive tree-shaped swirls. With vibrant red and white dough, these cookies are as eye-catching as they are delicious.
Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a sweet holiday gift, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
An Exciting Story:
The first time I served these Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies, they disappeared faster than I could set the platter down. My husband admired their beautiful design, and my kids loved their sweet, minty flavor. Now, they’re a must-have for our holiday baking traditions.
Why These Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies?
- Visually Stunning: The festive swirl design is perfect for the holidays.
- Delightfully Peppermint: A subtle, refreshing mint flavor in every bite.
- Fun to Make: Rolling and shaping the dough is a creative activity for all ages.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look beautiful in holiday treat boxes.
- Customizable: Adjust colors or flavors to suit your preference.
What You Need for Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Red gel food coloring
- For Decoration:
- Edible glitter or sanding sugar (optional)
- Mini candy stars or sugar pearls
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide and Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red gel food coloring to the other half, kneading until evenly colored. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Create the Swirls:
- Roll out both portions of dough into equal-sized rectangles, about ¼ inch thick. Place the red dough on top of the white dough and gently press together. Roll the layered dough into a log, starting from one long side, to create a swirl. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Shape the Trees:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into ¼-inch rounds and shape each round into a triangle to resemble a tree.
- Decorate and Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar, if desired. Add a mini candy star or sugar pearl to the top of each tree.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Firm dough is easier to roll, slice, and shape without losing its swirl.
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring creates vibrant hues without altering the dough’s texture.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Use Other Colors: Swap red for green or combine multiple colors for a rainbow swirl.
- Add a Chocolate Twist: Drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate.
- Change the Flavor: Substitute peppermint extract with almond, orange, or lemon extract.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Replace some sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar.
- Use whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Reduce the butter slightly and add a touch of applesauce for moisture.
Closing for Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies:
And there you have it—Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies that are as delightful to make as they are to eat. These festive treats are perfect for bringing holiday cheer to your cookie platters, gift boxes, or dessert table. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our holiday-inspired recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. - How do I store the cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. - Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - What if my dough cracks when rolling?
Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling. - What pairs well with these cookies?
Serve with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a glass of milk. - How do I make the cookies extra festive?
Add edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate. - Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, use beet powder or raspberry juice for red, and matcha powder for green. - What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Use crushed candy canes or mint syrup for flavoring. - How do I keep the swirl shape intact?
Chill the dough log thoroughly before slicing to prevent smearing. - Can I make mini cookies?
Yes, roll the dough thinner and slice into smaller rounds for bite-sized cookies. - What if I want softer cookies?
Bake for a minute less and cool on the baking sheet to retain softness. - What’s a creative twist?
Add a small edible pearl or sprinkle gold dust on the stars for an elegant finish.
Peppermint Swirl Tree Cookies
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 tsp 1 peppermint extract
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
2 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Red gel food coloring
- For Decoration:
Edible glitter or sanding sugar (optional)
Mini candy stars or sugar pearls
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide and Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red gel food coloring to the other half, kneading until evenly colored. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Create the Swirls:
- Roll out both portions of dough into equal-sized rectangles, about ¼ inch thick. Place the red dough on top of the white dough and gently press together. Roll the layered dough into a log, starting from one long side, to create a swirl. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Shape the Trees:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into ¼-inch rounds and shape each round into a triangle to resemble a tree.
- Decorate and Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar, if desired. Add a mini candy star or sugar pearl to the top of each tree.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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