Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. Nothing brings the festive spirit to life quite like a plate of freshly baked cookies. Among the many options available, Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies stand out as a favorite. With their vibrant colors and delightful peppermint flavor, these cookies not only look beautiful but also fill your home with the sweet aroma of the season. Whether you are sharing them with family, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies will surely become a cherished tradition in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies. First, they are visually stunning. The red and white swirl creates a festive tree shape that captures the essence of Christmas. Secondly, the flavor is simply irresistible. The refreshing taste of peppermint combined with a sweet and buttery cookie base is a match made in heaven.
Additionally, making these cookies is a great way to bond with family and friends. Decorating the cookies can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Watching the kids get creative with sprinkles and icing adds an extra layer of joy to the process.
Finally, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Even if you are not an experienced baker, you can create a beautiful batch of cookies with just a few simple steps. Once you see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they taste them, you’ll be glad you made them.
How to Prepare Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
Ingredients:
To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Red food coloring
- Optional: decorative sprinkles
- Optional: frosting for decorating
Instructions:
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to prepare Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies.
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Divide the dough: Take about one-third of the dough and place it in a separate bowl. This will be the white part of your swirl. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the remaining dough and mix until you achieve a vibrant red color.
Chill the dough: Wrap both the red and white dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Prepare for baking: Once chilled, take the red dough and the white dough out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out each color into equal-sized rectangles, about ¼ inch thick.
Create the swirl: Lay one rectangle on top of the other, then gently press them together. Roll the two layers up tightly, starting from one end to create a log. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it back in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Shape the cookies: After chilling again, remove the log of dough from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into ¼ inch thick rounds. You can also cut these rounds into a tree shape if you prefer.
Bake the cookies: Place the sliced cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
Serving Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies can be as simple or as fancy as you like. For a casual family gathering, arrange them on a festive plate and enjoy them with a warm drink. You can also create a beautiful cookie platter to display at parties.
To make it even more special, consider adding some decorative elements. Drizzle some icing over the cookies for a nice touch, or sprinkle some colorful holiday sprinkles on top.
These cookies can also be used as a fun activity for kids. Let them decorate their own cookies with frosting and sprinkles to make their holiday treat unique. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are bound to be a hit!
How to Store Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
Proper storage is key to keeping your Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies fresh and delicious. Once the cookies have fully cooled, you can store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and flavorful.
For best results, eat the cookies within a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them. To do this, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll taste just as good as when they were freshly baked.
Tips for Preparing Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
Use quality ingredients: Using high-quality butter and extracts will elevate the taste of your cookies.
Don’t skip the chilling time: Chilling the dough is important for the texture of the cookies and helps them keep their shape while baking.
Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so keep a close watch on your cookies as they bake to avoid overcooking.
Experiment with colors: If you want to create a more colorful swirl, consider using other gel food colors, or even try layering colors for a more varied look.
Have fun with decorations: The decorating stage is a great time to let your creativity shine. Use different kinds of sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored icing to make each cookie one-of-a-kind.
Variations
While the classic Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are delightful as they are, you can always switch things up based on your preferences. Here are a few fun variations you might consider:
Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Add some cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate cookie base. This creates a delicious chocolate-peppermint combination.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal spice flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
Nutty Addition: Mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a crunchy texture to your cookies.
Different Shapes: Instead of tree shapes, use other cookie cutters to create stars, bells, or candy canes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling and cutting.Can I use a different flavor instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the peppermint extract with almond or orange extract for a different twist.What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can freeze the excess for later use. Alternatively, you can make small cookies, or even mix the remaining dough with chocolate chips for a fun variation.
Conclusion
Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience. With their stunning appearance, delightful taste, and the joy of creating them together as a family, they embody the spirit of the holiday season. Whether you bake a batch for a gathering or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Happy baking!
