Why make this recipe
Swirled Christmas Butter Cookies are a delightful treat during the holiday season. Their bright colors and unique spiral design make them visually appealing, and their buttery flavor is sure to please everyone. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Plus, they are quite simple to make, making them a great choice for bakers of all levels!
How to make Swirled Christmas Butter Cookies
Ingredients :
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
Directions :
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside. These dry ingredients will help give the cookies their structure and perfect texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer or stand mixer. The air you incorporate here helps give your cookies a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. The almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. This dough will be slightly firm, making it perfect for rolling and shaping.
Step 5: Divide the Dough
Divide the dough into three equal portions. Keep one portion plain, and then color the remaining two portions with red and green gel food coloring. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, then knead the dough until the colors are evenly distributed. Be patient—your dough will turn a bright, festive red and green.
Step 6: Roll and Stack the Dough
Roll each colored dough portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick, placing each layer on wax paper. Once stacked, place them in the following order: plain, red, green. Gently press the layers together to ensure they stick.
Step 7: Create the Swirl Log
Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the stacked dough into a log, forming a swirl pattern. Once rolled, wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Step 9: Slice and Bake
After the dough has chilled, slice it into ¼-inch rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to serve Swirled Christmas Butter Cookies
These cookies make a festive addition to any holiday dessert platter. You can serve them as is or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch. They also pair wonderfully with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate.
How to store Swirled Christmas Butter Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag.
Tips to make Swirled Christmas Butter Cookies
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: This helps maintain the shape and keeps the swirl intact.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors that don’t add too much moisture to the dough.
- Watch the baking time closely: Every oven is different, so check the cookies a minute or two before the recommended time.
Variation
You can try using different food coloring to match any holiday or occasion. Additionally, you can replace almond extract with other flavors like peppermint or lemon for a unique twist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Q2: Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to an airtight container for longer storage.
Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine. Just ensure it is softened for easy mixing.
