Peppermint swirl cookies are the enchanting little treats that can turn any ordinary day into a festive celebration. Imagine taking a bite, and the delightful crunch gives way to a soft, chewy center, filled with the cool zing of peppermint and sweet chocolate. festive red velvet thumbprint cookies It’s like winter wonderland wrapped in cookie form, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while spreading holiday cheer. For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cookies recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use fresh mint instead of extract?
- How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
- What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every year during the holiday season, I whip up a batch of these peppermint swirl cookies to share with friends and family. The first time I made them, my kitchen smelled like a candy cane factory exploded, and my kids’ eyes lit up with joy. fragrant rosewater biscuits They couldn’t wait to help mix the dough and add the colorful swirls. Now, we make them together every December, creating memories as delicious as the cookies themselves.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint swirl cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for baking novices or experts alike
- The flavor profile features a delightful blend of refreshing peppermint and rich chocolate
- Their festive colors make them visually stunning on any dessert table
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or as a holiday staple
Sharing these cookies brings smiles all around—my friends can’t resist their charm!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sifted flour ensures lightness in your cookie.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps achieve that crispy edge we all love.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; use dark brown sugar for extra richness.
- Baking Powder: This little agent does magic by making your cookies rise perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for creaming; it adds richness without excess salt.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together; fresh eggs yield the best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavors; go for pure vanilla extract if you can.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens; just a few drops will give you that festive kick.
- White Chocolate Chips: For sweetness and creamy texture; they melt beautifully in every bite.
- Red Food Coloring Gel: To create those gorgeous swirls; gel works better than liquid for vibrant color.
- Peppermint Candies: Crush these for an added crunch and burst of flavor on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick like a bad habit.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light. Think of clouds but sweeter.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Crack in those eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and peppermint extract—this is where things get exciting!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined—no over-mixing here!
Divide Dough for Swirling: Split your cookie dough into two equal parts. To one half, add red food coloring gel until you achieve a lovely crimson hue. Leave the other half as is—classic white!
Swirl it Up: Take small spoonfuls of both doughs and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet alternately. Use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful swirls without mixing too much.
Add White Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle white chocolate chips over each cookie mound before popping them into the oven—because who doesn’t love more chocolate? delicious chocolate chip cookie twists.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft—trust me; they’ll firm up as they cool.
These peppermint swirl cookies will have everyone clamoring for seconds! Enjoy savoring each delightful bite filled with minty freshness and warm chocolate goodness. delightful Christmas pecan turtles.
You Must Know
- Peppermint swirl cookies are not just festive; they bring a delightful crunch and burst of flavor
- The chocolatey goodness combined with mint creates a holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing
- Make sure to let the dough chill for best results
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For optimal results, prepare your dough, chill it, then bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract with vanilla or almond for a twist on tradition. You can also add crushed candy canes for extra crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best flavor, reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making peppermint swirl cookies, use high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the flavor profile
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps with easier handling and better structure
- Enjoy experimenting with different mix-ins for a unique twist!
It was during one holiday season when I made these cookies for a family gathering; the sheer joy on my niece’s face as she took her first bite was priceless.
FAQ
Can I use fresh mint instead of extract?
Fresh mint works but can alter texture; use extracts for consistent flavor.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is crucial to keep cookies from spreading excessively while baking.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Almond or vanilla extracts can be used as delicious alternatives in this recipe.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with these delightful peppermint swirl cookies. With a crispy exterior and a chewy center, each bite is a heavenly combination of refreshing peppermint and rich chocolate. Perfect for sharing during festive gatherings, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning with their vibrant swirls. Bake a batch this season to create sweet memories with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp red food coloring gel
- Crushed peppermint candies (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide dough in half; tint one half with red food coloring gel while leaving the other half plain.
- Alternately drop spoonfuls of both doughs onto prepared baking sheets; use a toothpick to swirl gently.
- Top each cookie mound with white chocolate chips.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers remain soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg





