Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite as joyful and festive as making treats that bring a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table, and the Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe is exactly that kind of magic. These cookies are a delightful blend of buttery richness with charming red and green swirls that instantly capture the spirit of Christmas. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives them a subtle, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. Perfectly tender yet sturdy enough for gifting or decorating, these cookies are sure to become a treasured holiday tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy butter that ensures a tender bite to the gel food coloring that gives these cookies their festive look, each component is simple but vital.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and softness; make sure it’s properly softened for easier creaming.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, familiar flavor that complements the almond extract.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a delicate, nutty aroma that enhances the holiday vibe.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, balancing tenderness with sturdiness.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift for a tender crumb.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Red gel food coloring: Creates vibrant festive swirls without altering the dough’s consistency.
• Green gel food coloring: Adds that essential Christmas green for contrast and charm.

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, yielding wonderfully tender cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is combined smoothly. The extracts add depth and a festive feel that you’ll notice instantly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning throughout the dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so keep it light and delicate here.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough evenly into three portions. Leave one natural and tint the other two with red and green gel food coloring using a spatula or your hands for even color. The gel keeps your dough moist and vibrant without weakening its structure.

Step 6: Roll Dough into Rectangles

Roll each colored dough segment into a rectangle about 9 by 6 inches. This size makes the layering and swirling process easier and more uniform.

Step 7: Layer and Roll into a Log

Stack the three colored dough rectangles, pressing gently to adhere them. Then, starting from the short side, roll the layers up tightly into a log. This rolling creates the signature swirled effect that makes these cookies so fun and festive.

Step 8: Chill the Dough Log

Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling firms up the dough which helps maintain the swirl shape when slicing and baking.

Step 9: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 10: Slice and Arrange

Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until they are just set around the edges. You want them soft with slightly crisp edges once cooled.

Step 12: Cool Before Serving

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up so they hold their beautiful swirl pattern.

How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but you can add a delicate frosting drizzle or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy holiday appearance. Consider crushed candy canes on top for a festive crunch and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Pair these swirled beauties with a warm cup of spiced cider, creamy hot chocolate, or a fragrant cup of holiday tea. These drinks perfectly complement the buttery, sweet flavors and add a cozy element to your gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or party platters, arrange the cookies in circular patterns to emphasize their colorful swirls. Use festive tins or wrap them with a ribbon and tag for a homemade gift that feels extra special and full of holiday spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their crisp-tender texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, slice the dough log and freeze the raw slices on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies’ texture, warm them in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave briefly. This helps bring out that fresh-from-the-oven softness and aroma, perfect for indulging.

FAQs

Can I use other colors instead of red and green?

Absolutely! While red and green embody Christmas spirit perfectly, you can customize the swirls with any gel food coloring to suit different holidays or personal tastes.

Will these cookies hold their shape if doubled or halved?

Yes, the recipe scales well. Just be mindful to maintain chilling times and slice dough evenly to preserve the swirl pattern during baking.

Do I need special gel food coloring for these cookies?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides intense color without adding extra liquid, which keeps the dough texture perfect. Regular liquid colorings can make the dough too soft.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Sure! Try swapping almond extract with peppermint or orange extract for a different twist, but remember to keep the balance so the swirled colors and texture remain the stars of the show.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week, making them great for holiday parties or to enjoy throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe a try because it’s a delightful way to add a splash of color and flavor to your holiday celebrations. The process is simple, the results are stunning, and the taste is absolutely irresistible—just perfect for creating sweet memories with friends and family. Happy baking!

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