Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies

Introduction

Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are one of those treats that instantly put you in the holiday spirit. I made these cookies for the first time last year, and they became an instant family favorite. The bright red and green swirls make them perfect for the festive season, and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture is simply irresistible. The combination of vanilla and almond extract adds a lovely depth of flavor, making these cookies a delicious addition to any Christmas cookie platter. My family loved them so much that I had to bake multiple batches to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to delight.

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will create a smooth base for the dough.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until smooth and well-combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the Dough: Once the dough is ready, divide it into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain and color the other two portions with red and green gel food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed.
6. Roll the Dough: Roll each dough portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Place each layer of dough on wax paper to prevent sticking.
7. Stack the Layers: Carefully stack the layers of dough (plain, red, and green) on top of each other. Gently press them together to form a uniform stack.
8. Form the Swirl Log: Starting from one long edge, roll the stacked dough into a log, creating a swirl pattern as you go. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.
9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice the dough log into ¼-inch rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: 120 kcal
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

How to Serve

• Enjoy as a festive addition to your Christmas cookie platter.
• Serve alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Package them in cute holiday tins for gift-giving.
• Serve at a holiday party as a fun, colorful dessert option.
• Enjoy as a simple sweet snack throughout the holiday season.

Additional Tips

1. Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is best for vibrant colors without affecting the texture of the dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough log for at least 1 hour to ensure the swirl pattern stays intact when slicing.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper helps with easy rolling and stacking of the dough layers without sticking.
4. Bake in Batches: If you’re making multiple batches, keep the dough chilled in between baking to maintain the best results.
5. Decorate for Extra Festivity: After baking, you can drizzle the cookies with white chocolate or sprinkle with colored sugar to add a final festive touch.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Swirl Butter Cookies: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one of the portions of dough for a chocolate swirl variation.
2. Nutty Swirl Butter Cookies: Mix in chopped pecans or almonds into the plain dough for an extra crunch.
3. Lemon Swirl Butter Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrus twist that complements the almond and vanilla extracts.
4. Sprinkles: Top the cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles before baking for a fun, extra pop of color.
5. Cinnamon Swirl Butter Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon to one of the dough portions for a warm, spicy variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies alongside other holiday treats such as gingerbread, sugar cookies, and shortbread.
• Pair with warm drinks like spiced cider, hot chocolate, or eggnog for a cozy holiday gathering.
• Create a DIY cookie decorating station for kids and let them top the cookies with their favorite sprinkles or icing.
• Use as part of a homemade gift basket along with other holiday goodies.
• Arrange them in a festive cookie jar for a cheerful kitchen display during the holiday season.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the Dough: If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough log before baking. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, simply slice the dough while frozen and bake as directed.
• Storing the Baked Cookies: Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place the cookies in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: To freeze baked cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute. The cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture.
2. Can I make these cookies without almond extract?
   Yes, you can substitute almond extract with more vanilla extract or leave it out entirely if you prefer.
3. How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out?
   Use parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking, and make sure the dough is chilled before rolling.
4. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
   Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for creaming the butter and sugar together.
5. How thick should the dough layers be?
   Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. This thickness ensures that the cookies will have a nice swirl when sliced.
6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough, roll it into a log, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
7. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
   Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without altering the texture of the dough. Liquid food coloring may affect the dough’s consistency.
8. How can I make the cookies more festive?
   After baking, you can drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with holiday-themed sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar for extra decoration.
9. Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
   Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the cookies for added sweetness and a decorative touch.
10. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the blend for consistency when making the dough.

Conclusion
Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their colorful, festive swirls and buttery texture are sure to impress family and guests alike. With a few simple ingredients and some time spent in the kitchen, you can create these delightful treats that will add joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them at a party, or simply enjoying them at home, these cookies are a delicious way to spread holiday cheer.

Print