Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies
Delightful holiday cookies featuring a vibrant red and white swirl, infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and perfect for festive celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour The base providing structure.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened For that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Adding just the right sweetness.
- 1 large egg This helps bind the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract Infusing a festive, refreshing flavor.
- a few drops red food coloring To make the vibrant, swirled design.
Optional decorations
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and peppermint extract, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion.
- Roll each portion into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Stack the red dough on top of the white dough and roll into a log shape.
- Chill the log in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
Baking
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optionally, decorate with crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles before serving.
Notes
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. Chill the dough to maintain shape. Adjust food coloring for desired hue.