Name: Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies for the Holidays
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 cup (200 g) long-grain rice or basmati rice; 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes (no added salt); 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) cannellini beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 ½ cups (600 ml) vegetable broth or water; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Juice of ½ lemon; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa; Add kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes; Stir in spinach or kale before serving; Top with feta cheese (optional if not vegan); Use black beans or kidney beans instead of chickpeas

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Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect treat to add a festive flair to your holiday gatherings. These delightful cookies blend the refreshing taste of peppermint with a beautiful swirled design, making them a visual and culinary delight. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma that screams holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The vibrant swirls not only make the cookies visually appealing but also deliver a delightful peppermint flavor that everyone adores. You can customize them as minty swirl cookies or even add chunks of chocolate for a chocolate peppermint swirl cookie variation. Plus, they are a hit during the holidays, ensuring your dessert table stands out. These cookies are also perfect for holiday gift-giving, allowing you to share your holiday spirit with friends and family. This festive peppermint cookies recipe truly embodies the spirit of the season!

Ingredients for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a dough forms.
Step 6: Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other half until you achieve a vibrant red color.
Step 7: Roll each portion into logs and twist together to form a swirled shape.
Step 8: Place on prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 10: Let cool before drizzling with melted white chocolate if desired.

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is naturally adaptable. For vegan peppermint swirl cookies, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
For the best flavor, use pure peppermint extract instead of imitation.
Let the cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your presentation with a few serving ideas:

Serve alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat.
Arrange them on a festive platter as part of a holiday cookie exchange.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Swirl Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors; using pure peppermint extract ensures the cookies have a fresh minty taste without being overpowering. The swirled design is also key to their appeal!

Can I make Peppermint Swirl Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it convenient for holiday preparations!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your butter is softened properly and don’t overmix the dough. Also, be cautious with the amount of food coloring to maintain the right balance of flavors.

Variations of Peppermint Swirl Cookies You Can Try

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to consider:

For a richer flavor, incorporate chocolate peppermint swirl cookies by adding cocoa powder to the plain dough.
Create a no-bake peppermint swirl cookie by using crushed cookies and cream cheese for a quick dessert.
Try adding a layer of peppermint cream cookies filling to make them extra decadent.
Make a batch of gluten-free peppermint swirl cookies using almond or oat flour as a substitute.

For more festive recipes, check out our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze or Cranberry Orange Pancakes. If you’re interested in more cookie variations, don’t miss our Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe!

For tips on baking cookies, you can refer to this cookie baking guide from King Arthur Baking.

Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies for the Holidays

Author: basmer
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Healthy Mediterranean Rice and Beans – A One-Pot Flavor-Packed Meal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add bell pepper and zucchini. Sauté 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook on low for 15–18 minutes, until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Stir in the beans and cook uncovered 2–3 minutes to heat through.
Add lemon juice, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve warm.