Delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking

Swirled Christmas Cookies are the ultimate treat that will make your holiday gatherings sparkle with flavor and joy. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie, swirled with vibrant red and green hues that give a nod to the festive season. The delightful blend of vanilla and almond fills the air, creating an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug on a chilly December day.

As you prepare to bake, reminisce about those sweet childhood moments spent cookie decorating with family, where flour would dust the countertops and laughter filled the kitchen. These Swirled Christmas Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of cocoa. Trust me, there is nothing more delightful than treating yourself and others to a burst of holiday cheer with every bite.

Ingredients for Swirled Christmas Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming with sugar, which helps achieve that light and fluffy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their delightful texture.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
½ teaspoon almond extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a nutty sweetness that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient.
2½ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, providing the necessary structure.
½ teaspoon baking powder – Creates that perfect rise, ensuring a nice fluffy bite.
¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Red gel food coloring – For that festive pop of color, adding holiday spirit.
Green gel food coloring – To create vibrant swirls for a visually appealing treat.

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Swirled Christmas Cookies:

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the base for a soft, tender cookie.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack the egg into the mixture, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract. Beat the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to be tender, not tough!

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal parts. Keep one part plain, and tint one portion with red gel food coloring and the other with green gel food coloring. Mix until you achieve vibrant colors.

Step 5: Roll the Dough
Roll each colored dough into a rectangle about 9 inches by 6 inches on a lightly floured surface. Stack the dough layers, pressing them gently together.

Step 6: Form the Log
Starting from the short side, roll the stacked dough into a log. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps make slicing easier and improves the texture.

Step 7: Preheat and Slice
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, slice the dough into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until just set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They are perfect for sharing, gifting, or just indulging in yourself. Enjoy these festive treats with your family and friends, and watch the smiles appear!

These Swirled Christmas Cookies embody the spirit of the season, bringing color, flavor, and cheer into your kitchen and home. Baking them is a wonderful way to spread holiday joy and create delicious memories, one delightful cookie at a time.

Perfecting Swirled Christmas Cookies Cooking Process

Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and extracts before gradually incorporating the dry ingredients. Divide and color the dough, roll it up, refrigerate, then slice and bake for perfect Swirled Christmas Cookies.

Add Your Touch to Swirled Christmas Cookies

Feel free to swap out the almond extract for peppermint extract for a wintery twist. You can also add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles to the plain dough for extra sweetness and texture. The options are endless when you make these delightful cookies your own.

Storing & Reheating Swirled Christmas Cookies

Store baked Swirled Christmas Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before digging in!

Baking these Swirled Christmas Cookies took me back to my childhood kitchen, surrounded by laughter and the sweet smell of holiday treats. Friends and family raved about them, and I learned that making cookies is not just about the flavors but the joy they bring.

FAQs About Swirled Christmas Cookies

What are Swirled Christmas Cookies?

Swirled Christmas Cookies are enchanting holiday treats that feature a delightful blend of vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. These cookies are made by combining a vanilla and almond base dough with rich gel food coloring, creating a festive swirl effect that is visually stunning. The process involves rolling the colored dough into logs and slicing them into rounds for baking. Each bite promises a buttery flavor that’s tender and slightly sweet, making them a beloved addition to any holiday spread.

How do I store Swirled Christmas Cookies?

To keep your Swirled Christmas Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them for even longer, consider freezing the cookies. Just ensure they are properly sealed in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature for a perfect treat that tastes freshly baked.

Can I customize the flavors of Swirled Christmas Cookies?

Absolutely! One of the wonderful aspects of Swirled Christmas Cookies is their versatility. You can easily swap out the almond extract for peppermint to add a wintery twist. Additionally, feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips or festive sprinkles for extra texture and sweetness. Making these cookies your own allows you to incorporate your favorite flavors while keeping the delightful swirl effect.

What special occasions are perfect for making Swirled Christmas Cookies?

Swirled Christmas Cookies are perfect for almost any festive occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and cheer. They make a delightful addition to holiday parties, family gatherings, or cookie exchanges. Their beautiful presentation makes them ideal for gift-giving or decorating a holiday dessert table. Wherever you choose to share them, these cookies are sure to bring joy and festive spirit to your celebrations.

Conclusion for Swirled Christmas Cookies

Swirled Christmas Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious treat that encapsulates the joy of the holiday season. With their easy preparation and the ability to customize flavors, these cookies can suit any festive occasion. From the sweet aroma filling your kitchen to the delight on your guests’ faces, baking Swirled Christmas Cookies turns any gathering into a celebration. Whether you keep them for yourself or share them with loved ones, these cookies bring warmth and joy during the holidays.

Swirled Christmas Cookies

These delightful Swirled Christmas Cookies offer a festive treat full of vibrant colors and flavors, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 36 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• red gel food coloring
• green gel food coloring

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Plastic wrap

Method

 

1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into three equal parts. Leave one plain, tint one red, and one green with gel food coloring.
6. Roll each portion into a rectangle, about 9×6 inches.
7. Stack dough layers, press gently, and roll into a log starting from the short side.
8. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Slice dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 9-11 minutes, until just set.
12. Cool on pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 10g

Notes

Feel free to customize with different flavors or add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun.

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