Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies : when the holiday season rolls around, the air is filled with the warm scents of baking cookies. One of the most delightful treats you can make during this time is Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their bright red and white colors, but they also bring the comforting aroma of peppermint into your home. Baking these cookies is more than just making a dessert; it’s an opportunity to create memories with loved ones, as you gather in the kitchen to mix, roll, and decorate together. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try and how you can easily make these festive cookies in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies. First and foremost, their stunning appearance makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. The red and white swirls resemble beautifully decorated Christmas trees, adding a festive touch to any dessert table.

Secondly, the flavor of peppermint is often associated with winter and holidays. It brings a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of sugar cookies. As you take a bite, the coolness of peppermint awakens your senses and creates a delicious balance with the soft, buttery cookie base.

Another reason to cherish this recipe is the simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, meaning you won’t spend hours searching for anything unusual. Plus, the preparation is enjoyable, especially when you include family and friends in the process. It becomes a fun bonding activity as you roll out the dough, form the cookies, and decorate them together.

How to Prepare Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Preparing these delightful cookies is a fun and straightforward process. You will create a delightful dough that will be colored and shaped into festive trees. Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need and the steps to make these cookies from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ 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 peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together and set them aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until everything is fully integrated. Once the dough forms, divide it in half.
5. Color the Dough: Take one half of the dough and add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. You can adjust the color by adding more food coloring if needed.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap each half of the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to work with.
7. Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, take both doughs out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the red and white doughs to about ¼ inch thick. You can use a rolling pin for this step.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes from both the red and white dough. After cutting them out, press the red tree onto the white tree to create a swirl effect.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden.
10. Cool Down: Remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch, if desired.

How to Serve Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Serving Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies is a simple and delightful affair. These cookies can be served at family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a sweet snack while watching holiday movies.

You might consider placing them on a beautiful platter or in a festive cookie jar to display them. For a fun twist, you can pair the cookies with hot cocoa or peppermint tea, allowing the flavorful peppermint to shine alongside these treats.

If you are hosting a holiday party, consider making a cookie bar where guests can assemble their plates with a variety of cookies, including your beautiful peppermint trees.

How to Store Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Storing Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies is quite easy. Once they are completely cooled, you can place them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh for several days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies.

To freeze them, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.

Tips for Preparing Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

1. Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will help achieve the right texture for the cookies.
2. Food Coloring: When coloring the dough, start with a little bit of food coloring. You can always add more until you reach your desired shade.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is a crucial step in ensuring that the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Don’t skip this, especially with decorated cookies.
4. Use Quality Extracts: Using a high-quality peppermint extract will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking them can lead to dry cookies.

Variation

If you want to try different flavors or shapes, you can easily modify this recipe. For example, instead of peppermint, you could use almond extract or vanilla only. You might also consider incorporating chocolate chips into the dough for an interesting twist.

Another fun variation could be to use different cookie cutters to create various festive shapes like stars, bells, and stockings. The colors could also vary, with green and white frosting for Christmas trees, or blue and white for snowflakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter, but the flavor and texture may slightly differ. Butter gives the cookies a rich taste that many enjoy.
2. How long can I store these cookies?
   When stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
3. Can children help with this recipe?
   Absolutely! This recipe is great for children to help with. They can assist in mixing the dough, cutting out shapes, and decorating.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.
5. Why do my cookies spread while baking?
   If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough was too warm when placed in the oven. Make sure to chill the dough properly before baking.

Conclusion

Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies are a perfect treat for the holiday season. Their festive colors, delightful taste, and the joy of baking them with family make this recipe a holiday favorite. By following the simple steps outlined, you can create beautiful cookies that will fill your home with the comforting aroma of peppermint. So gather your loved ones, prepare the dough, and make memories this holiday season with these delightful cookies!