The holidays are a time for love, laughter, and—let’s be honest—indulging in sweet treats. Few things capture the festive spirit like a tray of colorful, homemade cookies. Festive Swirl Holiday Treats bring together stunning visuals and delightful flavors, making them a hit at any gathering. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is approachable and rewarding, giving you cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why Festive Swirl Holiday Treats Are Perfect for the Holidays
Imagine setting a tray of swirled red, green, and white cookies on your table, each one radiating the joy of the season. These cookies not only taste incredible but also double as edible decorations. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday cookie exchange, these treats are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients for Festive Swirl Holiday Treats
To get started, gather these simple ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups, plus more for dusting |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 12 tablespoons (room temperature) |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Red food coloring | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon |
| Green food coloring | 1/2 to 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Swirl Cookies
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents for cookies that bake evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving soft and tender cookies.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is well combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
5. Divide and Color the Dough
Split the dough into three equal parts. Leave one plain and add red food coloring to another and green food coloring to the last. Knead each portion until the colors are evenly distributed.
6. Shape and Chill
Press each portion of dough into a square shape, then wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour to make the dough easier to handle.
Creating the Festive Swirls
1. Roll Out Each Dough
Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into 10-inch squares. Place the rolled dough back in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Stack the Layers
Remove the parchment paper and carefully stack the dough layers: red on the bottom, white in the middle, and green on top. Trim the edges to make a neat rectangle.
3. Roll into a Log
Using the parchment paper as a guide, roll the stacked dough into a log shape. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for another hour to ensure the colors don’t bleed during slicing.
Baking Festive Swirl Holiday Treats
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Slice the Cookies
Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one.
3. Bake
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
4. Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to enjoy or package for gifting!
Expert Tips for Festive Swirl Holiday Treats
- Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel-based food coloring gives vibrant colors without adding too much moisture to the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough at each stage is crucial for clean lines and distinct swirls.
- Prevent Sticky Dough: Dust your work surface with flour or use parchment paper for easier rolling.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Creative Variations
- Flavor Upgrades: Add peppermint extract for a holiday twist or almond extract for a nutty undertone.
- Glitter Effect: Sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on the dough before rolling it into a log.
- Alternate Colors: Customize the colors for other occasions—orange and black for Halloween or pastels for Easter.
Troubleshooting Your Swirl Cookies
- Dough Too Soft to Handle
If the dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling or stacking. - Uneven Swirls
Ensure each layer is rolled to the same size and thickness to avoid lopsided cookies. - Cracks in the Dough
Roll the dough slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. If cracks appear, press gently to seal them before baking.
FAQs About Festive Swirl Holiday Treats
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough log for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to a month.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and follow the same steps.
4. Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain the swirled design.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just divide the dough into six portions instead of three.
6. Do I have to use food coloring?
Not at all! The cookies will still taste great without food coloring, though they won’t have the festive swirl.
Why You’ll Love Making These Cookies
Baking Festive Swirl Holiday Treats is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to bring people together. From rolling out the dough to marveling at the colorful swirls, the process is as enjoyable as the end result. These cookies are a surefire way to spread holiday cheer, whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to loved ones.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Swirl Into the Holidays
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with homemade cookies that look like they belong in a holiday catalog. With their vibrant colors, delightful flavors, and stunning design, Festive Swirl Holiday Treats are a must-bake this year. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake some holiday magic!
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Festive Swirl Holiday Treats: A Delicious and Colorful Tradition
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Bright, colorful, and utterly delightful, these Festive Swirl Holiday Treats bring a magical touch to your holiday season. Perfect for parties, gifting, or family fun, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. A showstopper on any holiday dessert table!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon green food coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. - Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. - Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. - Divide and Color the Dough
Split dough into three portions. Leave one plain, add red food coloring to one portion, and green food coloring to the other. Knead each until evenly colored. - Shape and Chill
Press each portion into a square, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. - Roll Out and Stack Layers
Roll each dough portion between parchment paper into a 10-inch square. Stack the layers (red, plain, green) and trim to form a neat rectangle. - Roll Into a Log
Roll the stacked layers into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for another hour. - Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Slice and Bake
Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange on baking sheets with 2 inches of space between cookies. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set. - Cool and Serve
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy once fully cooled!
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors.
- Chill the dough at each step to ensure clean swirls.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
