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Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Close-up of four festive peppermint swirl cookies on a white plate, dusted with crushed candy cane.

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Crisp, festive red-and-white pinwheel cookies with a cool peppermint flavor, perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in peppermint extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the dough in half. In one half, mix in the red food coloring until evenly distributed.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the white dough into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches.
  7. Roll out the red dough into a similar-sized rectangle.
  8. Carefully place the red dough rectangle on top of the white dough rectangle, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Starting from one of the long sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
  10. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  12. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  13. Place the cookie rounds onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  14. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  15. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted.
  • You can freeze the dough logs for up to 3 months. Slice and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • For a cleaner swirl, chill the dough thoroughly before slicing.
  • Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.

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