Swirled Christmas Cookies are a colorful treat that combines rich almond and vanilla flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift boxes. These delightful cookies not only look festive with their vibrant swirl patterns but also taste delicious, making them a favorite among family and friends during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning a cookie exchange or simply want to brighten up your dessert table, these cookies are sure to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Swirled Christmas Cookies
There are many reasons to adore these swirled Christmas cookies. First, their vibrant colors make them visually appealing, adding a festive touch to any gathering. Second, the combination of almond and vanilla flavors creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone loves. Third, they are perfect for gifting, as they look stunning in decorative boxes. Fourth, the recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all levels. Fifth, you can customize the colors and sprinkles to match your holiday theme. Lastly, they are a wonderful activity to share with kids, creating lasting memories while baking.
Ingredients for Swirled Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Almond Extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Fine Salt
- 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles
- Gel Food Coloring (Red & Green)
How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1.25 cups of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Step 2: Add 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Step 4: Divide the cookie dough into three equal portions; color one portion red and another green, leaving one uncolored. Knead colors into the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 5: After chilling, roll the colored dough into rectangles measuring approximately 7×12 inches. Layer them in the order of green, white, and red, then roll tightly into a log.
- Step 6: Roll the formed cookie log in 1 cup of Christmas sprinkles until coated evenly.
- Step 7: Chill the cookie log again for about 15 minutes, then slice into cookies of about 1/3 inch thick.
- Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie slices on baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Step 9: Cool on the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Swirled Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Substitute margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Use unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend if needed.
- Chill the dough well before rolling to prevent it from sticking.
- Experiment with different colors and sprinkles to create unique designs.
Best Ways to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies
These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them at holiday gatherings alongside hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy touch. They also make wonderful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or tins. For a fun twist, consider using them as a centerpiece for your dessert table, showcasing their colorful swirls. Additionally, they pair beautifully with Christmas cookies with marbled icing for a delightful spread.
How to Store and Reheat Swirled Christmas Cookies
To keep your swirled Christmas cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and they will last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature. This makes them a great option for meal prep during the busy holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swirled Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Swirled Christmas Cookies?
The secret lies in properly chilling the dough and rolling it tightly to ensure the swirls are distinct. Also, using gel food coloring helps maintain the dough’s texture.
Can I make Swirled Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This allows for easy holiday baking when time is tight.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Swirled Christmas Cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure the butter is soft but not melted, and don’t skip the chilling time. This helps achieve the right texture and prevents spreading during baking.
Variations of Swirled Christmas Cookies You Can Try
For a fun twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding different flavors to the dough, such as peppermint extract for a festive touch. You can also experiment with various colors and shapes using cookie cutters for unique designs. Another great variation is to use chocolate dough in place of the vanilla for a delicious marbled effect, creating beautiful marbled holiday cookies that are perfect for sharing.
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Swirled Christmas Cookies: 24 Festive Treats to Delight
Swirled Christmas Cookies are a colorful treat that combines rich almond and vanilla flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift boxes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 89 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Almond Extract
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Fine Salt
- 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles
- Gel Food Coloring (Red & Green)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
- Divide the cookie dough into three equal portions; color one portion red and another green, leaving one uncolored. Knead colors into the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilling, roll the colored dough into rectangles measuring approximately 7×12 inches. Layer them in the order of green, white, and red, then roll tightly into a log.
- Roll the formed cookie log in 1 cup of Christmas sprinkles until coated evenly.
- Chill the cookie log again for about 15 minutes, then slice into cookies of about 1/3 inch thick.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie slices on baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Cool on the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Substitute margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Use unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
