Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious holiday treat, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe. I love these cookies because they bring together buttery softness with vibrant swirls of red and green that make them almost too pretty to eat (almost!). Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a new holiday tradition for you and your family.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create the ideal cookie dough that’s both flavorful and holds up beautifully when rolled and sliced. You’ll want to invest in good quality butter and pure extracts for the best taste – trust me on this one!

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creams up nicely with sugar to add tenderness and structure.
• Granulated sugar: Gives just the right sweetness and helps create that soft yet sturdy crumb.
• Egg: Binds the dough and helps with moisture balance.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty, warm note that feels so festive without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances the overall flavor depth with a sweet aromatic touch.
• All-purpose flour: You want the typical sturdy flour that gives your cookies structure but isn’t heavy.
• Cornstarch: Secret ingredient that makes the cookies tender and gives a delicate crumb.
• Baking powder: A little lift for a soft, perfect texture.
• Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and pulls the flavors together.
• Christmas sprinkles (nonpareils): Adds a cheerful crunch and extra holiday spirit.
• Gel food coloring: For vibrant red and green colors that don’t affect dough consistency.

Variations

I love how this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe is so flexible! You can easily swap out sprinkles for chopped nuts or skip the food coloring for a natural look. Feel free to get creative and make it your own festive masterpiece.

• Nutty twist: I once added finely chopped pistachios to the dough for extra texture and flavor – my family went crazy for it!
• Flavor swaps: Try orange or peppermint extract instead of almond for delightful seasonal spins.
• Dairy-free version: Use vegan butter and flax egg for a holiday treat suitable for friends with dietary restrictions.
• Color combos: If you prefer, customize the colors to match your party theme—mint green and gold look stunning, too!

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it traps air in the dough, which makes your cookies tender and soft. I sometimes use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment here, but a hand mixer works just as well.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula—this helps you avoid any uneven pockets of flour or flavor later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and fine salt. Add this dry mix to the butter mixture and blend on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies could turn out tough. The dough should be thick and a bit sticky.

Step 4: Divide and Color Your Dough

Divide the dough evenly into three portions—about 10 oz each. Leave one plain, add red gel food coloring to one, and green to the other. Mix each portion until the color is uniformly distributed. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, flatten into a rectangle about 1/3 inch thick—this makes rolling out later so much easier—and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll Out and Stack the Dough Layers

Once chilled, unwrap the dough and roll each portion on the plastic wrap to about 7×12 inches. I love rolling on plastic because it keeps my countertops clean and makes transferring dough simple. Stack the layers on parchment paper in this order: green on the bottom, plain in the middle, and red on top. Gently press the stack with your rolling pin to stick them together.

Step 6: Trim and Roll Into a Spiral Log

Trim uneven edges with a sharp knife, and cut one long side at a slight angle for a nicer swirl definition. Begin rolling from this angled side tightly into a log. I find it easiest to use the parchment paper to help roll the dough evenly without it cracking or sticking. Smooth the seam with your finger so the log stays sealed.

Step 7: Coat with Sprinkles and Slice

Pour Christmas sprinkles into a rimmed pan and roll the cookie log around until fully coated. Then slice the log into 1/3-inch thick cookies using a sharp knife. If the dough gets too soft and starts smushing, pop the log back into the fridge for 15-30 minutes before slicing again—this trick saved my batch more than once!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Line baking sheets, place each slice about an inch apart (cookies spread!), and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking. Watch closely so the edges don’t brown—you want soft and tender, not crispy or overdone. When in doubt, pull them out early; they firm up beautifully as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This resting stage helps them set and retain their soft texture. Enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. I love having a batch ready for impromptu holiday guests!

How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to stick with classic Christmas sprinkles (nonpareils) for that nostalgic, crunchy pop, but you could also dust with a little powdered sugar for a snowy look or drizzle with white chocolate for an extra-special sweet touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a warm cup of cocoa, a glass of cold milk, or a cozy mug of spiced cider. For parties, I serve them with an assortment of other holiday treats like peppermint bark and gingerbread for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I served the cookies stacked on a tiered cake stand with sprigs of fresh holly and pinecones around it—it made for an Instagram-worthy centerpiece. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with red and green ribbons also makes them perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find storing these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature works best to maintain their softness and flavor for up to five days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

If you want to prep early, you can freeze the cookie log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before slicing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking for fresher-than-ever cookies.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-baked warmth and softness. It’s a small trick I love to remind guests about!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Swirled Christmas Cookies are my absolute favorite holiday treat because they combine festive colors, delightful textures, and scrumptious flavors all in one bite. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen every season, and I’m confident you’ll love making and sharing these with friends and family just as much as I do. So grab your rolling pin, entertain your festive spirit, and let’s make some magic with this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe!

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