The Magic of Peppermint and Christmas
The smell of peppermint swirling through the air instantly reminds you of the holidays — snow-dusted rooftops, the sound of laughter, and that first warm cup of cocoa by the fire. Among all the holiday cookies that fill your kitchen, none are quite as striking and cheerful as Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Their red-and-white spiral design captures the festive joy of Christmas, looking like edible candy canes baked into buttery sugar cookies.
These cookies aren’t just pretty — they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a rich, buttery texture and a refreshing peppermint finish that balances sweetness and coolness perfectly. They’re the cookies you leave out for Santa, the ones you package for homemade gifts, and the treats that make your cookie exchange platter unforgettable.
This recipe brings together the best of traditional sugar cookies and festive peppermint candy flavor. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for professional bakers looking to spread some holiday cheer.
A Cookie That Celebrates Christmas Color
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are iconic because they look like Christmas. The vivid red and white layers mirror candy canes, but the taste offers something far more indulgent. They’re buttery, slightly crisp at the edges, and soft in the center — the perfect texture contrast. The peppermint extract infuses each bite with a cool sweetness that cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar.
They’re also endlessly customizable. You can roll them thinner for crisp cookies or thicker for softer ones. Add a drizzle of white chocolate on top for extra shine, or roll the edges in crushed candy cane for sparkle.
But before diving into the creativity, let’s start with the heart of every recipe — the ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
– Red gel food coloring (as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare your dough base.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating the perfect buttery crumb. - Add egg and extracts.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. The dough should smell wonderfully festive already. - Combine dry ingredients.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Divide and color.
Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red gel food coloring to the other, kneading until evenly tinted. Use gloves if needed to avoid staining hands. - Create the swirl.
Roll each dough half into a rectangle of equal size (about ¼-inch thick). Place the red dough on top of the plain dough, trim the edges for neatness, and gently roll the layers into a log shape. - Chill the dough.
Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling helps the cookies hold their swirl shape. - Slice and bake.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. - Bake and cool.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set. Let cool on wire racks before serving or decorating.
The Art of Presentation
Presentation is half the magic of these cookies. Stack them in glass jars, tie with red ribbons, and label with handwritten tags. For parties, place them on white plates lined with crushed candy canes or red sprinkles for that extra holiday sparkle.
If gifting, pair them with mini jars of hot cocoa mix or peppermint bark. The red-and-white swirl stands out beautifully in any cookie box or platter.
Flavor Tips and Variations
- For a stronger peppermint punch: add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Add texture: roll cookie edges in crushed candy canes before baking.
- Dipped version: dip half the cooled cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint.
- Festive twist: swirl in a little green food coloring too for red-white-green triple swirl cookies.
The Science Behind the Swirl
When you chill the rolled log of dough, the butter firms up, locking the colors into place. This ensures the cookies slice cleanly without smearing. Rolling evenly is key — uneven layers lead to lopsided spirals. The sugar content caramelizes slightly at the edges during baking, giving those faintly golden rings that make each swirl look like a glowing ornament.
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Perfectly festive look — like candy canes in cookie form
- Make-ahead friendly — dough can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Fun baking project for families and kids
- Giftable and beautiful — looks like bakery-quality cookies
- Balanced flavor — buttery sweetness with peppermint freshness
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, stack baked cookies between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract; mix until smooth.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; add to wet mixture.
- Divide dough in half; tint one half red with food coloring.
- Roll each dough into equal rectangles and stack; roll into a log.
- Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice chilled dough into rounds.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are just set.
- Cool on racks and serve or store airtight.
Notes
Holiday Pairing Ideas
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream
- Vanilla Eggnog Lattes
- Spiced Cranberry Punch (from your previous recipe!)
- Classic Sugar Cookies for variety on dessert tables
Behind the Tradition
Peppermint has been a symbol of winter celebrations for centuries, representing purity and cheer. Combining that with the red-and-white swirl not only makes a visual impact but connects your baking to a long line of Christmas traditions that bring joy and warmth to homes around the world.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a true showstopper — proof that holiday baking can be as beautiful as it is delicious. With their soft buttery texture, refreshing mint flavor, and vibrant color, they’ll stand proudly on any Christmas dessert table.
Baking them becomes more than a recipe; it’s a ritual of joy, creativity, and sharing. When you take that first bite and taste the cool peppermint blending into rich butter, you’ll know you’ve baked Christmas magic.
