There’s something magical about peppermint swirl cookies that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with the fresh, invigorating flavor of mint, all while your taste buds dance with joy at the sweet chocolate swirls. festive red velvet cookies These cookies are not just a treat for your mouth; they’re an aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with the cozy scents of peppermint and baked goodness. classic thumbprint cookies
Every time I whip up a batch of peppermint swirl cookies, I’m reminded of the holiday season spent with loved ones, where laughter and sweet aromas filled the air. Whether it’s Christmas, a cozy family gathering, or just an ordinary Tuesday that needs some extraordinary cheer, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. delicious Christmas pecan turtles Trust me; every bite promises to be as delightful as the memories they create.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- Each cookie has a refreshing peppermint flavor balanced beautifully with rich chocolate swirls
- The vibrant colors make them visually stunning on any dessert platter
- Ideal for holiday celebrations but delicious enough to enjoy year-round!
I still remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends declared me a baking genius after just one bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient; use unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Opt for fine sugar to ensure it dissolves well in your dough.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; feel free to let it sit out before baking!
- Eggs: You’ll need large eggs; they add moisture and bind everything together perfectly.
- Baking Powder: A must for fluffy cookies; ensure yours is fresh for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Always go for pure vanilla extract; it enhances flavor remarkably.
- Peppermint Extract: This is what gives those cookies their signature minty freshness—don’t skimp on this!
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds depth; sift it first to avoid clumps in your batter.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the mint’s sweetness perfectly—add extra if you’re feeling indulgent!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this is where the magic will happen!
Create Your Cookie Base: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks like whipped clouds begging to be tasted.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. The mixture should smell like a candy cane factory exploded—delightful!
Sift & Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in those glorious semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula. This step is crucial because we want them evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop & Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each ball as they will spread during baking—about two inches should do! Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Enjoy the intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen as you wait impatiently by the oven—this part can feel like an eternity!
After removing cookies from the oven, let them cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool but remain irresistibly chewy inside.
And there you have it—your very own batch of peppermint swirl cookies! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared among friends (if you can bear to part with them), these cookies are sure to bring joy wherever they go. maple shortbread bear cookies So grab yourself a mug of hot cocoa or coffee and indulge in these delightful treats—you deserve it!
You Must Know
- Perfecting peppermint swirl cookies is about balance; too much peppermint can overwhelm
- The texture should be soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth, with a delightful crunch from the sugar
- Don’t forget to let your dough chill for a while; patience makes a big difference in flavor!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first and then cream the butter and sugar. This ensures even distribution of flavors. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F for perfectly baked cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or almond if you want a different twist! You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor, making each cookie your own unique creation.
Storing & Reheating
Store peppermint swirl cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them fresh later, freeze them for up to three months and reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving. For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cookies recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using room temperature butter will help create that perfect creamy texture when mixing
- Make sure to use pure peppermint extract for the best flavor without bitterness
- Always let your cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to avoid breaking
When I made these peppermint swirl cookies last holiday season, my family devoured them within minutes! The laughter and joy they brought were unforgettable, proving that good food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?
Fresh peppermint works but can be less concentrated; adjust accordingly.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Chill your dough properly to keep cookies thick and chewy during baking. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
What’s the ideal baking time for these cookies?
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; centers should look soft.
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peppermint swirl cookies are a delightful blend of soft, chewy texture and invigorating mint flavor, swirled with rich chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat, these cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked goodness. With their festive colors and mouthwatering flavors, they’re sure to bring joy to friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor variation, consider swapping peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
