Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season. These beautifully swirled cookies are not only vibrant in color but also bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The visual appeal of these cookies, resembling whimsical Christmas trees, along with their sweet and minty aroma, makes them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. If you’re looking for a special recipe to share with family and friends, this step-by-step guide will make it easy and enjoyable to create these charming cookies in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies lies in their simplicity. With easy prep, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all ages. Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering, a holiday party, or just for your own delight, this recipe ensures minimal ingredients and fuss. It’s family-friendly and can even be a fun baking activity to do with kids. In just a short amount of time, you can serve up festive treats that not only look impressive but also taste heavenly. So gather your loved ones and let’s get to baking!

Ingredients for Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
A few drops red food coloring
Crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles (optional)

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the outcome of these delightful cookies. The all-purpose flour acts as the base, while the softened butter brings a rich creaminess to the dough. Sugar adds sweetness, and the egg serves as a binding agent. The peppermint extract infuses these cookies with a festive flavor that’s uplifting and refreshing. With vibrant red food coloring, you’ll have that eye-catching swirl effect. Finally, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes adds an extra crunch and holiday charm!

Step-by-Step Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat — this is essential for easy cookie removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a lovely texture.
Next, add the egg and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined. Take a moment to inhale the minty aroma that fills your kitchen — it’s pure holiday magic!
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t rush this step; make sure all the flour is incorporated for a perfect dough.
Now, divide the dough into two equal portions. Color one portion by adding a few drops of red food coloring and mixing until the dough reaches a vibrant red hue.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. If the dough is sticky, a sprinkle of flour can help ease the rolling process.
Carefully stack the red dough on top of the white dough, pressing gently to ensure they stick together. This step creates the beautiful swirl effect when you slice the dough.
Roll the combined dough into a log, then chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to firm up. Chilling is important; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Once chilled, remove the dough log from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies, creating festive shapes for the holiday season.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optionally, you can decorate your cooled cookies with crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles before serving to add that extra festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are perfect every time, consider these tips:

Keep all ingredients at room temperature for the best blending.
If the dough is too soft after mixing, chill it for another 10-15 minutes before rolling out.
Use a bench scraper to help lift the dough when transferring it from the floured surface to your baking sheet.
If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
For added texture and fun, experiment with different colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top after baking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These delightful Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are perfect for serving at holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside your favorite festive drinks. Pair them with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or even a classic glass of milk. You can also package them beautifully in festive tins to share with friends or neighbors during the holiday season, bringing smiles all around!

Nutritional Information

While the exact nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes, these Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies provide a delightful indulgence that can be enjoyed in moderation during festive celebrations. They typically contain around 120 calories per cookie, with a base of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, along with fat from butter. It’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for special occasions, so savor and enjoy!

Storing Tips & Variations for Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

To keep your Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake the dough from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For variations, try swapping peppermint extract for other flavors like vanilla or almond and experimenting with different colored dough for other holidays!

Conclusion for Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Don’t let the holidays pass by without trying your hand at these gorgeous Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies. They’re not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. Easy to make, festive, and perfect for sharing, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and start baking these sweet, peppermint-infused delights today!

FAQs

Can I use different food coloring for the cookie swirls?
Yes! You can use any color food coloring to create your desired aesthetic. Just keep in mind that the flavors should complement the peppermint.
What if I don’t have a tree-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem! You can use any shape cookie cutter you have, or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles — they’ll still taste fantastic!
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the regular egg.
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, chill it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
How can I make the cookie dough easier to handle?
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches your desired consistency. Also, ensuring the butter is softened but not overly mushy will help with handling.

Get ready to enjoy the magic of the holidays with each bite of these delightful Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies!

Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Festive and visually appealing cookies with refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
A few drops red food coloring
Crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Color one portion with a few drops of red food coloring.
Roll each dough portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Stack the red dough on top of the white dough and roll into a log, then chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Optionally, decorate with crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles before serving.