Why Make This Recipe
Swirled Christmas Cookies are not just a treat; they are a joyful addition to your holiday celebrations. With vibrant red and green colors, these cookies bring a festive spirit to any gathering. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them a delightful gift during the holiday season. Plus, they are easy to make and are sure to impress both kids and adults alike!
How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup red food coloring
- 1/3 cup green food coloring
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for decoration)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Color one half with red food coloring and the other with green.
- Roll both colored doughs into thin logs and twist them together. Shape the twisted dough into festive Christmas cookie shapes.
- Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Allow them to cool and decorate with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkles if desired.
How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies
Serve these beautiful cookies on a festive plate during your holiday gatherings. They look stunning on a dessert table and are perfect for cookie exchanges. Pair them with warm drinks like hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy treat.
How to Store Swirled Christmas Cookies
To keep your Swirled Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened properly; this helps create a smooth batter.
- Roll the dough logs tightly to get nice swirls in the cookies.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Variation
You can experiment with different colors for the food coloring, such as blue for a winter theme or pink for a fun twist. Adding chocolate chips to the dough can also enhance the flavor!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste and texture may be different.Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make regular cookies without the food coloring.What if I don’t have confectioners’ sugar?
If you don’t have confectioners’ sugar, you can simply leave out the decoration or make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine.
Swirled Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive swirled cookies in vibrant red and green colors, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup red food coloring
- 1/3 cup green food coloring
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for decoration)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Color one half with red food coloring and the other with green.
- Roll both colored doughs into thin logs and twist them together. Shape the twisted dough into festive Christmas cookie shapes.
- Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Allow them to cool and decorate with confectioners’ sugar and sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Make sure your butter is softened properly for a smooth batter. Roll the dough logs tightly for better swirls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
