These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are as festive as they are delicious! With their vibrant red, green, and plain layers rolled into a beautiful swirl, these buttery cookies are perfect for your holiday cookie tray or as a homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday Spirit: The colorful swirls bring a cheerful touch to any holiday table.
- Buttery Perfection: Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and gel food coloring make this recipe easy and accessible.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh when needed.
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
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Color and Layer the Dough
- Divide the dough into three equal portions.
- Leave one portion plain.
- Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and green gel food coloring to the third, kneading each portion until evenly colored.
- Roll each dough portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on wax paper.
Step 3: Assemble the Swirl
- Stack the dough layers: place the plain dough on the bottom, followed by the red dough, then the green dough. Gently press the layers together.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the stacked dough into a log to create a swirl pattern.
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough log from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch rounds.
- Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wax paper and plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies as part of your holiday dessert spread or package them in decorative tins for gifting.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze the dough log for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
Variations
- Glittery Swirls: Sprinkle edible glitter or sanding sugar on the dough layers before rolling for a festive sparkle.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.
- Marble Effect: Swirl the dough colors together instead of stacking for a fun twist.
- Mini Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller logs for bite-sized cookies.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring provides vibrant shades without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Chilling is Key: Chilled dough ensures clean cuts and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Uniform Slicing: Use a sharp knife and rotate the dough log slightly after each slice to maintain the swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant colors, but liquid coloring can work if you use it sparingly to avoid over-softening the dough.
How do I prevent the dough from cracking when rolling?
Work gently, and if the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before continuing.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, you can omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract for a simpler flavor.
What if I don’t have wax paper?
Parchment paper works just as well for rolling and stacking the dough layers.
Can I make other color combinations?
Absolutely! Try red and white for candy cane vibes or blue and white for a wintery theme.
These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are a festive and delicious addition to your holiday baking. Make a batch and enjoy the magic of the season with every colorful bite!