The holiday season is filled with joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious treats. When it comes to baking for Christmas, one of the most iconic treats is the festive Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are easy to make and come with a delightful visual twistโperfect for brightening up any holiday table! Whether youโre baking for a family gathering or looking for a thoughtful gift for your loved ones, these cookies will make everyone smile.
These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are not only flavorful but visually stunning. With their festive red and green swirl pattern, theyโre sure to add that extra pop to your holiday dessert spread. The buttery richness, combined with a hint of almond and vanilla, makes these cookies a timeless favorite.
Why Youโll Love Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
- Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Festive Presentation: The beautiful red and green swirl pattern makes them the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.
- Buttery and Delicious: With just the right amount of sweetness and a rich, buttery flavor, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful holiday gifts, especially when packaged in cute tins or gift boxes.
Letโs dive into this simple, yet stunning recipe that will surely become a holiday tradition!
Ingredients for Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
To make these festive swirl butter cookies, youโll need just a few basic ingredients:
- 2ยพ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
These ingredients are likely staples in your kitchen already, so thereโs no need to go out of your way to find anything unusual.
Instructions for Making Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden, crisp edge. While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later. In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. This should take about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well until everything is incorporated. The combination of almond and vanilla will give the cookies a subtle, sweet flavor that makes them irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a little at a time, mixing as you go. You should end up with a soft, smooth dough thatโs easy to handle. If the dough seems a little too sticky, you can add a touch more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 4: Divide the Dough and Add Coloring
Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Now comes the fun partโadding the colors! Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one half of the dough and green gel food coloring to the other half. Mix each portion until the colors are fully incorporated and you have vibrant red and green dough. Feel free to add more coloring until you achieve the intensity you want.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Take a small portion of each colored dough and roll them into long ropes, about 6 inches long. Twist the red and green ropes together to form a spiral shape. This is the key step to getting that beautiful swirl effect!
Next, slice the dough into 1-inch pieces and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave some space between each piece as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they donโt overbake. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Serving and Storing Your Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
Once your cookies are cool, theyโre ready to be served! These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie platter, and they make a beautiful gift when packaged in festive tins or boxes.
Storing Tips: To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Why These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
The holidays are all about traditions, and what better tradition than baking cookies together? These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are not only delicious, but they also capture the spirit of Christmas with their festive colors and rich, buttery taste. Whether youโre baking for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply enjoying them by the fireplace, these cookies will be a hit with everyone.
Plus, with the addition of almond extract, these cookies offer a subtle nutty flavor that adds a special twist. Theyโre the kind of cookie that feels homemade with love, and no holiday gathering is complete without them.
Perfect Pairings for Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, they can be paired with a variety of festive drinks. Consider serving them with hot cocoa, spiced cider, or even a warm cup of coffee to create the perfect cozy holiday treat. For an extra indulgence, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
FAQ
Q: Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel food coloring?
A: Yes, you can use regular food coloring, but gel food coloring is recommended because it produces more vibrant colors without adding extra liquid to the dough.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
Q: How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A: To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter substitute, such as margarine or coconut oil.
Q: Can I add sprinkles to the cookies?
A: Yes! For extra sparkle, sprinkle the cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles before baking them. It will add a fun touch and make them even more festive.
Q: How do I prevent the dough from becoming too sticky?
A: If your dough becomes too sticky to handle, simply add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency. You can also refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies, which will help make it easier to handle.
Related Recipes Youโll Love
If you loved this recipe, donโt forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes youโre sure to enjoy:
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes โ A comforting classic packed with flavor.
- Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites โ Irresistibly Sweet & Savory โ Perfect for party platters and quick bites.
- Maple Bacon Pancake Burger Recipe โ A creative twist on breakfast-meets-dinner.
Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Conclusion
These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are a simple yet festive treat that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday season. Theyโre easy to make, and the red and green swirls make them perfect for adding some cheer to any gathering. Whether youโre baking for a crowd or looking to spread holiday cheer with a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, start baking, and share the love this Christmas with these delightful cookies!
PrintChristmas Swirl Butter Cookies โ Festive Holiday Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your holiday guests with these festive Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies! Vibrantly swirled with red and green, these buttery cookies are infused with a touch of almond and vanilla for the perfect holiday treat. Simple to make and stunning to serve, theyโre ideal for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or your Christmas dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2ยพ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ยฝ teaspoon almond extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into two portions, coloring one red and the other green with gel food coloring.
- Roll portions into ropes, twist them together, and slice into cookies.
- Place the cookies on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- For even color distribution, use gel food coloring and knead thoroughly.
- Ensure cookies are evenly sized for consistent baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies, holiday cookies, festive swirl cookies