Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a festive, fun twist on a classic treat, you’re going to love this Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe. Trust me, I’ve made dozens of sugar cookie recipes, and this one stands out because it’s both beautiful and delicious — plus that refreshing peppermint kick just makes every bite feel like a celebration. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through making these gorgeous, swirly gems that are perfect for the holidays or whenever your sweet tooth calls!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering flavor, texture, and that signature swirl. Here’s a quick dive into why these are the essentials you’ll want on hand when you bake!

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter helps create that creamy base and tender crumb in your cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: It dissolves into the dough, giving sweetness and that slight crunch, especially when you coat the dough balls in extra sugar.
• Large Eggs & Egg Yolk: Eggs provide structure and richness; the extra yolk keeps cookies soft and chewy.
• Peppermint or Almond Extract: I love peppermint here for the holiday vibe, but almond’s a neat swap if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: The warm vanilla balance is what makes the sugar cookie flavor so classic and comforting.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it the right amount of structure without toughness.
• Cornstarch: Just a touch for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Fine Salt: It rounds out the sweetness and enhances all those flavors.
• Baking Soda: Gives a tiny lift and helps keep the dough from getting too dense.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors won’t change your dough’s texture like liquids would — essential for those crisp peppermint swirls.
• Coating Sugar: Optional, but tossing your dough balls in sugar before baking adds a sparkly, crunchy finish.

Make It Your Way

I love encouraging a little creativity with this Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe. While the peppermint flavor is my personal favorite, these cookies are a perfect canvas for your flavor ideas and dietary tweaks.

• Variation: Sub out peppermint extract for almond or even orange extract for a fun seasonal twist — I tried almond once and loved the subtle nutty aroma.
• Dietary Modification: I’ve experimented with swapping a bit of flour for gluten-free flour blends — just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Color Play: Feel free to swap red food coloring for green at Christmas or pastels for spring — the swirl effect looks amazing with any color contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats — trust me, nonstick surfaces make cleanup so much easier. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat your softened butter and sugar together at medium-high speed for a couple of minutes. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy texture that looks almost whipped — this step makes all the difference for cookie texture, so don’t rush it. If the mixture looks gritty or dull, keep going a little longer until it brightens up.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts Then Mix the Dry Ingredients

Next, beat in your egg and yolk, along with the peppermint and vanilla extracts. I always scrape the bowl sides with a spatula to make sure everything’s well incorporated and you get that smooth batter. Then, on low speed, add your flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda just until the dough comes together. Give it a few extra seconds on medium speed to fully combine, but don’t overmix — you want tender cookies, not tough ones!

Step 3: Divide Dough and Create Your Swirl

Divide your dough into two equal parts. Dye one half red with gel food coloring—gel is key here because it won’t make your dough sticky or watery like liquid colors can. I usually start mixing with a spatula, then finish kneading with my hands to make sure the color is even. Pro tip: wear gloves if you hate stained fingers! Then, scoop out tiny teaspoon-sized balls of each color — you’ll be combining them to form that signature swirl.

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl the Dough Balls

Take three little balls of red and three of white and arrange them alternating in a small circle. Press the colors together gently so there’s no gap and cup your hand to smooth the edges. Now the fun part — lightly drag your forefinger across the dough balls to swirl the colors just a bit, not blending them, but creating that beautiful peppermint effect. If you want, toss your newly formed dough balls in granulated or sanding sugar for a sparkly crunch after baking.

Step 5: Chill, Bake, and Cool

Pop the cookie dough balls in the fridge for 30 minutes, or freezer for 15 if you’re tight on time — chilling helps them hold their shape in the oven. When you bake, place cookies a few inches apart because these babies spread. Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 11–13 minutes. Watch for set edges and avoid browning since the color can hide doneness. Let them cool on the tray 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These cookies keep soft inside and have just the right snap outside.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve these cookies plain because the sugar coating already makes them sparkle, but sometimes I like a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow. Crushed peppermint candy sprinkled on top before baking is another festive option I’ve tried and adore — it adds a little extra crunch and intensifies the peppermint flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cocoa bar or a cold glass of milk—especially with a peppermint stick on the side for dunking. Around the holidays, I serve them alongside spiced cider or mulled wine, making for an indulgent, cozy treat spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, I stack these cookies in clear jars layered with red and white ribbons tied around the lid. I’ve also arranged them on a platter with other red-and-white-themed desserts for a peppermint party tray — guests always comment on how festive and pretty it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I make sure to layer them between parchment paper sheets to avoid sticking, and honestly, they stay just as soft and delicious as when fresh.

Freezing

If I’m prepping for holiday baking ahead, I freeze shaped dough balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, I transfer them to freezer bags for up to two months. When I’m ready, I bake these straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time — this method preserves that beautiful swirl perfectly.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies without drying them out, I pop them in a 300°F oven for just 3-4 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and lets the peppermint aroma come back alive.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe has become a cozy tradition of mine, especially when I want to impress family or friends without fussing over complicated techniques. The swirl pattern always gets compliments, and pairing that refreshing peppermint flavor with a tender sugar cookie is just pure magic. You’ll enjoy seeing these festive beauties come together and tasting that perfect balance of sweet and minty. So go ahead — try this recipe, tweak it your way, and share the love (and cookies)!

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