Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat this holiday season, I absolutely have to share my favorite Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe with you. These cookies are not just delicious—they’re a feast for the eyes, with their vibrant red, green, and white spirals accented by festive sprinkles. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how soft and flavorful the cookies turned out, plus they’re surprisingly simple to make. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can wow your friends and family too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a buttery, chewy base that’s elevated by almond and vanilla extracts for a warm, cozy flavor. When you shop, stick with good-quality butter and real extracts if you can—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature for easy creaming; it helps the dough get light and airy.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookies that perfect sweet crunch.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Almond Extract: Adds a festive nutty note that’s subtle but delicious.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: For that classic warm background flavor we all love.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure—make sure to measure carefully.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies tender and soft.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just a bit without puffing up too much.
• Fine Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Christmas Sprinkles (Nonpareils): For that festive crunch and extra color.
• Red and Green Gel Food Coloring: Gel works best so your dough stays the right consistency and colors stay vibrant.

Variations

I love playing around with this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. It’s fun to add your own twist, and honestly, these cookies are forgiving enough to handle a little experimentation.

• Classic Peppermint Swap: Sometimes I swap the almond extract for peppermint extract to give the cookies a refreshing holiday kick—that combo is a crowd-pleaser!
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need to avoid gluten, just keep an eye on the texture since it might be slightly different.
• Color Variations: Feel free to use other colors like blue and white for a winter-themed twist, or even orange and black for Halloween fun.
• Chocolate Addition: Adding mini chocolate chips to one dough portion before rolling creates a marbled chocolate surprise effect.

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by beating your room-temperature butter with the sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. I love this step because it lightens the dough and makes the cookies so tender. Don’t rush it—this is where you build that lovely soft texture!

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in your egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Mixing on medium speed until it’s fully combined helps everything blend smoothly—remember to scrape the bowl with your spatula so nothing gets left behind.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, lower your mixer speed and add the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. When you scrape the bowl and see all the bits come together, you’re golden.

Step 4: Divide and Color Your Dough

Divide your dough into three equal parts. Leave one plain (the white), color one red, and one green using gel food coloring. I find spreading the dough into flat rectangles before chilling makes rolling easier later on—try to keep sizes consistent for the best swirl effect.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Chill for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you can plan ahead. When I chill overnight, I always let the dough sit for 5 minutes at room temp before rolling so it’s not too stiff and tears less.

Step 6: Roll Out and Stack Dough

Roll each dough piece between plastic wrap to 7×12 inches. On parchment, stack green dough on bottom, plain in middle, and red on top. Gently roll over with your pin so the layers stick and even out. Trim edges so the stack is neat.

Step 7: Create the Spiral Log

Cut one long side at an angle to give you a tighter, prettier spiral. Start rolling from that edge, using the parchment paper to help guide the log as you go. Seal the seam with your finger to keep it tight—it’ll hold the swirl shape in the oven.

Step 8: Coat and Slice Your Cookies

Roll the log in Christmas sprinkles on a rimmed baking sheet so they stick beautifully. Slice the log into ⅓ inch thick cookies using a sharp knife. If the dough feels too soft and loses its shape, pop it into the fridge for 15-30 minutes to firm up again.

Step 9: Bake to Soft Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes. Rotate halfway for even baking. Watch closely—you want the edges set but not browned; underbaking slightly is fine because the cookies firm up as they cool. Trust me, those golden edges aren’t the goal here!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. These beauties hold their soft texture and keep their swirl magic even days later.

How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I adore adding a few extra sprinkles on top right after baking while the cookies are still warm—it helps them stick and makes each cookie shimmer. A tiny dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy look that’s just so festive!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. On Christmas morning, I love serving them alongside my classic cinnamon-spiced coffee. They’re also great with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special holiday dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that arranging these cookies in a spiral wreath shape on a serving platter is a fantastic centerpiece for holiday parties. Wrapping a stack with a festive ribbon makes a beautiful edible gift. For kids, a cookie-decorating station with colored icing is always a hit too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They usually stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days—which is perfect because they tend to disappear fast!

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the cookie dough portions before rolling and shaping. When ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed as usual. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to 2 months—they thaw quickly without losing texture.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftover cookies, I pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and melts the sprinkles slightly without drying them out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe as much as I do. For me, these cookies bring the magic of the holidays right to the kitchen counter—the cozy scents, the bright colors, and the joy of baking with loved ones. Don’t be intimidated by the swirl technique; once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s really rewarding and so much fun. Trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for these festive sweet bites!

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