Before we dive into the magic of peppermint goodness, let’s start with a quick confession: holiday baking has a way of giving us that cozy “I’ve got this” feeling… right up until we realize we forgot to soften the butter. Don’t worry—this recipe gives you grace, warmth, and a little wiggle room. With their cheerful red-and-white spiral and cool peppermint aroma, these Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies come together with simple pantry ingredients and a bit of cookie-dough fun.
They taste like the holidays in every bite—sweet, buttery, and full of that classic peppermint cheer. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping treats for a Christmas cookie exchange, or simply craving something joyful on a chilly December evening, these swirl cookies bring the spirit of the season right into your kitchen. Let’s get rolling—literally.
Why These Peppermint Swirl Cookies Belong on Your Holiday Baking List
What Makes Peppermint Swirl Cookies a Holiday Classic
There’s something magical about peppermint treats during the holidays. The cool flavor brings instant nostalgia, reminding you of candy canes on the tree and warm evenings by glowing lights. These Peppermint Swirl Cookies capture that feeling in a simple slice-and-bake dough you can prepare without any special equipment. With their pretty spirals and bright colors, they easily steal the spotlight on any cookie platter.
What makes them especially comforting is how familiar the base ingredients are—flour, sugar, butter, vanilla, and peppermint. The recipe feels cozy yet festive, making it a natural fit for December traditions.
The Appeal of Peppermint Holiday Treats: Flavor + Festivity
Peppermint holiday treats have been a staple in American kitchens for generations. That crisp, refreshing flavor pops beautifully in baked goods, and it balances the sweetness without overwhelming the palate. Plus, peppermint naturally links to holiday nostalgia, making every cookie feel like a celebration.
These cookies do more than taste good—they look like Christmas. The swirl pattern creates a candy-cane-style effect, making them ideal for photographing, gifting, or displaying on a dessert table.
How These Differ from Other Christmas Peppermint Cookies
While peppermint bark and drop cookies have their charm, peppermint swirl cookies offer something a bit more eye-catching. The rolled dough method creates predictable, clean stripes, so each slice turns out picture-perfect. Moreover, the dough is extremely forgiving, allowing beginners to achieve beautiful results even on their first try. These cookies also store well, freeze well, and travel well—making them a go-to option for parties, potlucks, and school events all season long.
Key Ingredients and Pantry Staples for Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
Although these cookies look fancy, the ingredients are incredibly simple and likely already in your pantry. The base begins with all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. These create a soft sugar-cookie dough that holds its shape and swirls beautifully.
You’ll also need red food coloring to achieve that classic peppermint stripe, plus a bit of extra sugar if you want to roll the edges for a sparkling finish. All ingredients are easy to find in the USA and fit perfectly into family-friendly holiday baking traditions.
Basic Ingredient List
To make planning even easier, here’s a simple table of everything you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Structure for the cookie dough |
| Granulated sugar | Sweetness and texture |
| Unsalted butter | Softness, richness, and flavor |
| Egg | Helps bind the dough |
| Peppermint extract | Classic peppermint flavor |
| Vanilla extract | Balances sweetness and adds warmth |
| Baking powder | Light lift for the dough |
| Salt | Enhances flavor |
| Red food coloring | Creates the peppermint swirl |
| Optional coarse sugar | Adds sparkle when rolling edges |
Step-by-Step Recipe for Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Preparing the Dough: Mixing and Dividing
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, helping the cookies bake evenly. Once the mixture is smooth, add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Because this is a slice-and-bake cookie, the dough should be firm enough to roll but soft enough to handle. After mixing, divide the dough into two equal portions.
Coloring and Flavoring One Half
Place one half of the dough back into the mixing bowl and add red food coloring. Using gel food coloring is ideal because it gives vibrant color with only a small amount. Knead gently until the color is evenly distributed. Keep the second portion plain to maintain a classic peppermint candy stripe look.
Layering the Dough to Create the Swirl
Roll each portion of dough between sheets of parchment paper until they form evenly sized rectangles. This prevents sticking and also makes it easier to stack the dough layers. Place the red dough rectangle directly on top of the plain dough, pressing very lightly to help the layers adhere.
Once stacked, trim the edges with a sharp knife so the layers become uniform. Neat edges help create a cleaner spiral pattern in the final cookies.
Chilling the Dough: Why It Matters
Starting from one long end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use the parchment paper underneath to help guide the dough and keep it uniform. After rolling, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling is essential because it firms the butter, allowing the cookies to slice beautifully without losing their round shape.
Refrigerate the dough for at least two hours, although overnight chilling provides even sharper swirls.
Rolling, Slicing, and Baking
Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the dough log and roll it in coarse sugar if you want a sparkly finish. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into even rounds about ¼ inch thick.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Bake for about 9–11 minutes, or until the edges look set but not browned. The cookies should remain soft after baking and will firm up as they cool.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve, package as gifts, or arrange on a festive cookie tray. The swirl pattern holds beautifully, making each cookie look like a handmade holiday treat worth showing off.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies
How to Get Perfect Swirls
The swirl is what makes these cookies stand out, so getting clean lines is worth a bit of extra care. Rolling each dough portion between parchment sheets ensures even thickness, which keeps the spiral tight and consistent. Additionally, trimming the edges before rolling helps the dough curl smoothly without folds or gaps.
When you begin rolling the stacked dough into a log, start slowly and keep gentle pressure across the entire width. Using the parchment as a guide makes the process easier and helps avoid air pockets. A tight roll leads to a well-defined swirl that holds beautifully during baking.
Preventing Cracks or Spreading in the Oven
Because this cookie dough contains butter, chilling the log thoroughly is one of the most important steps. If the dough is too warm, the cookies may spread and lose their shape. Chilling firms the dough so each slice stays round and bakes evenly.
If you notice any cracks while slicing the chilled log, simply press the dough gently to reshape before baking. Small cracks won’t affect flavor, but smoothing them out helps maintain a tidy appearance on your finished cookie tray.
Storage: How to Store or Freeze the Dough and Cookies
These cookies are excellent for make-ahead baking. You can refrigerate the dough for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. If freezing, wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, let the dough soften slightly so it slices without crumbling.
Once baked, the cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. They also freeze well after baking, making them perfect for early holiday preparation.
Decorating Ideas for Extra Festive Flair
If you enjoy a bit of creativity, there are plenty of ways to decorate these peppermint swirl cookies. You can roll the dough log in coarse sugar before slicing, giving the edges a frosted sparkle. Crushed peppermint candy can also be sprinkled on top of the cookies immediately after baking for extra crunch and color.
For a more elegant touch, drizzle a thin layer of white chocolate across the cooled cookies. The sweet vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with peppermint and adds a beautiful bakery-style finish without requiring any advanced decorating skills.
Creative Variations & Twists on Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies
If you love the pairing of chocolate and mint, this variation is a simple upgrade. Replace half of the white dough with a cocoa-based dough, creating a rich chocolate-and-peppermint spiral. The contrast in both flavor and color adds a premium, bakery-style look, making these cookies especially striking on holiday trays.
A small handful of mini chocolate chips in the chocolate portion adds even more depth and a soft texture in every bite.
Red Velvet Peppermint Swirl Cookies
For a festive twist with a classic Southern touch, try a red velvet version. Adding a bit of cocoa powder and red food gel creates a deep, vibrant red dough that pairs beautifully with the peppermint-flavored white dough. The result is a cookie that looks luxurious and tastes subtly cocoa-rich with a refreshing mint finish.
You can even dust them with powdered sugar before serving for a soft, snowy effect.
Double Peppermint Crunch
If you want maximum peppermint flavor, this is the variation that delivers. Add crushed peppermint candies directly into the dough before rolling—it gives the cookies a delightful crunch and bursts of minty sweetness. For added shine, sprinkle extra crushed candies on top right as they come out of the oven.
This version is especially fun for cookie exchanges, where unique textures tend to stand out.
Fun Color Variations
Peppermint cookies don’t always have to be red and white. You can create green-and-white spirals for a wintery feel, or pink-and-white swirls for a softer, whimsical holiday look. Gel food coloring works best because it keeps the dough stable without making it sticky.
No matter which colors you choose, the swirl technique remains the same—and the results are always eye-catching.
Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas
Beautiful Holiday Cookie Platters
Peppermint swirl cookies make any holiday platter feel instantly festive. Their bright spiral pattern adds color and movement, making them a lovely visual anchor among neutral-toned cookies. Arrange them in alternating directions on a round tray to create a pinwheel effect that draws the eye. Pairing them with chocolate cookies, shortbread, and sugar-dusted treats creates a balanced, inviting assortment.
Giftable Cookie Boxes
These cookies travel exceptionally well, making them perfect for gifting. Place a layer of parchment paper between each cookie stack to prevent sticking, then arrange them in a decorative tin or small bakery-style box. Adding a sprig of pine or a small ribbon gives your gift a warm, homemade touch without much effort. The swirl pattern makes every box look thoughtfully curated.
Party-Ready Dessert Displays
If you’re hosting or bringing dessert to a gathering, these cookies fit beautifully on a tiered stand or alongside hot cocoa. Their peppermint aroma pairs wonderfully with seasonal drinks, from creamy eggnog to warm coffee or tea. Displaying them in a clear glass jar also creates a simple, rustic presentation that guests can admire before snacking.
Great for Cookie Exchange Events
Because they’re both beautiful and unique, peppermint swirl cookies are often a favorite at cookie swaps. Their consistent size and vibrant pattern make them easy to package and count. Adding a small card with a short serving suggestion or storage tip adds a thoughtful extra touch.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing Baked Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Once baked, these cookies stay fresh for about one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking or smudging the peppermint design. Keeping them out of direct sunlight also preserves their bright red-and-white appearance and prevents fading.
Freezing Cookie Dough for Later
If you want to bake in batches or prepare ahead of time, the dough freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the rolled dough log tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be stored for up to two months. When ready to bake, simply slice the dough while still slightly firm, then follow the same baking instructions.
Freezing allows you to enjoy fresh-baked peppermint swirl cookies throughout the holiday season without the stress of last-minute preparation.
Freezing Baked Cookies
Baked cookies can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment sheets in between. Frozen cookies keep for up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes. They retain their flavor and swirl pattern beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep or gifts.
Make-Ahead Baking Tips
For a stress-free holiday baking day, consider making multiple dough logs in advance. Chill or freeze them as needed. On the day you plan to bake, slice and place them on prepared baking sheets. This method ensures you always have fresh, festive cookies ready to serve or package.
By following these storage and make-ahead tips, you can enjoy peppermint baking without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, keeping the process cozy and joyful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should I chill the dough for peppermint swirl cookies?
Chill the dough for at least two hours, though overnight is ideal. This ensures the butter is firm and allows the slices to hold their shape, resulting in clean, defined swirls.
Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to two months. Slice while slightly firm and bake according to the instructions for fresh, perfectly shaped cookies.
Can I substitute green food coloring for red?
Absolutely. Green-and-white or even pink-and-white swirls work beautifully. Gel food coloring is best because it maintains dough consistency without making it sticky.
What type of peppermint works best for decoration?
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies work perfectly. Finely crush them to prevent tearing the dough and achieve even distribution. Sprinkle over the dough slices or on top right after baking for added texture and festive flair.
Why did my cookies lose their swirl during baking?
If your cookies lose the swirl, the dough was likely too warm or not chilled long enough. Ensure the dough log is firm and slice only when cold. Proper chilling keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Conclusion
Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a celebration in every bite. Their buttery, tender dough combined with peppermint flavor and beautiful spiral design makes them perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights with a cup of cocoa. With easy-to-follow steps, beginner-friendly ingredients, and flexible variations, these cookies offer both fun and festive flair for any kitchen. So grab your butter, preheat your oven, and bring some peppermint magic to your holiday baking this week.
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Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 50 minute
Description
Cozy, colorful, and full of peppermint flavor, these Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies are perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or serving at Christmas parties. The beginner-friendly recipe uses simple ingredients and produces perfectly shaped, festive cookies.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Optional: coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candy for decoration
Instructions
Cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients.
Divide dough into two portions; color one portion red.
Roll each portion into rectangles; stack red on plain dough.
Trim edges and roll into a log; wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice log into ¼-inch rounds; optionally roll in sugar.
Bake 9–11 minutes until edges are set. Cool on wire rack.
Decorate with crushed peppermint or white chocolate drizzle if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes + 2 hours chilling
- Cook Time: 9–11 minutes per batch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~3 dozen