Name: Swirled Christmas Cookies: Festive Treats for Sweet Memories
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 74 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Adds richness and moisture; use salted butter if you prefer.); 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar (Provides sweetness; can substitute with coconut sugar.); 1 Large Egg (Binds the ingredients; swap for a flax egg for vegan.); 2 tsp Almond Extract (Elevates flavor; substitute with vanilla extract if needed.); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (Infuses depth to flavor; opt for high-quality.); 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (Creates structure; gluten-free flour blend is an alternative.); 1 tsp Cornstarch (Softens texture; can be omitted.); 1 tsp Baking Powder (Provides leavening; baking soda can be used but may alter texture.); 1 tsp Fine Salt (Balances sweetness; adjust to taste.); 1 cup Christmas Sprinkles (Adds crunch and festive color; use nonpareils if desired.); Gel Food Coloring (For vibrant colors; be cautious with liquid versions.)

As I unwrapped the colorful sprinkles and inhaled the sweet aroma of butter and vanilla, the holiday spirit enveloped me. This season, let’s bring the magic of festive baking to life with my Swirled Christmas Cookies! With their vibrant red and green hues, these eye-catching treats are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re a joyful way to engage with family in the kitchen. What’s more, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and can easily be made ahead of time, freeing up your holiday schedule. Whether you’re sharing them on cookie trays or gifting them in decorative tins, these delightful cookies will leave your loved ones smiling. Are you ready to swirl up some festive cheer?

Why Are These Cookies So Beautiful?

Vibrant Colors: These swirled Christmas cookies are a stunning visual treat, showcasing brilliant red and green hues that brighten any holiday table.
Customizable Flavors: With options to swap almond extract for favorites like peppermint or vanilla, the flavor possibilities are endless!
Easy to Make: A straightforward process helps even novice bakers master these delightful cookies without stress.
Perfect for Gifting: Whether you’re filling decorative tins or sharing festive cookie trays, these cookies bring joy to every recipient!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the unbaked dough in advance, letting you focus on other holiday preparations while still enjoying fresh-baked cookies, just like my Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

Swirled Christmas Cookies Ingredients

Get ready to create some festive delights with these Swirled Christmas Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 2 sticks) – Adds richness and moisture; use salted butter if you prefer, just adjust the salt content accordingly.
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/4 cups) – Provides sweetness and structure; you can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Large Egg (1) – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; swap for a flax egg to make it vegan-friendly.
• Almond Extract (2 tsp) – Elevates flavor; substitute with vanilla extract or omit for allergy concerns.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste (1 tsp) – Infuses depth to flavor; opt for high-quality versions for the best outcome.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Creates the cookie structure; a gluten-free flour blend is a great alternative.
• Cornstarch (1 tsp) – Softens the cookie texture; it can be omitted if needed.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Provides leavening; you may use baking soda, but it could alter the texture.
• Fine Salt (1 tsp) – Balances sweetness; feel free to adjust to your taste.

For the Decoration
• Christmas Sprinkles (1 cup) – Adds crunch and festive color; nonpareils or any festive sprinkles will also do nicely.
• Gel Food Coloring (red and green) – Creates vibrant cookie colors; be cautious with liquid food coloring as it may affect dough consistency.

Let’s get ready to bake some festive magic with these Swirled Christmas Cookies!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Swirled Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
Begin by creaming 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add one large egg, along with 2 teaspoons of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix as you want the dough to remain soft yet cohesive.

Step 3: Color the Dough
Divide the cookie dough into three equal portions. Keep one portion uncolored, then add gel food coloring to the second portion, mixing in red until you achieve the desired shade, and do the same with the third portion using green. This vibrant coloring will make your swirled Christmas cookies eye-catching and festive.

Step 4: Chill Dough
Wrap each portion of colored dough tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for easier handling. Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, preventing excessive spreading during baking for perfectly shaped swirled cookies.

Step 5: Roll Out Dough
After chilling, take each colored dough portion and roll it out between two sheets of plastic wrap into rectangles approximately 7×12 inches. Stack them in the order of green on the bottom, uncolored in the middle, and red on top. This colorful layering is crucial for achieving the beautiful swirls.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Trim any uneven edges from the stacked dough with a sharp knife to create neat lines. Gently roll the stacks into a tight log, sealing the edges well to keep the colors intact. Once rolled, coat the outside of the log with 1 cup of Christmas sprinkles, ensuring an even coverage for added crunch.

Step 7: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/3-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space in between for spreading. Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. Let the swirled Christmas cookies cool completely before enjoying or packaging them for gifting.

What to Serve with Swirled Christmas Cookies

As you indulge in the joyful experience of holiday baking, consider delightful pairings that will complete your festive spread.

Hot Cocoa: A cozy cup of rich hot cocoa provides the perfect sweet balance to your colorful cookies, enhancing their sweetness and making every bite even more comforting.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink is a holiday classic that harmonizes beautifully with the festive flavors of the swirled cookies, making your celebration feel extra special.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley introduces bright, fresh flavors to your cookie platter, offering a light contrast that highlights the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Pair the cookies with a selection of cheeses for a savory twist that brings complexity to your holiday dessert table, creating a delightful taste journey.
Holiday Spice Tea: This aromatic beverage infuses warming spices, which echo the flavors in your cookies, enhancing the overall festive experience with each sip.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The combination of juicy strawberries and rich chocolate acts as a decadent side that elevates your dessert table, making it even more festive and colorful.
Gingerbread Cookies: Serve alongside these swirled Christmas cookies for a double dose of holiday cheer—each bite brings a comforting nostalgia that complements the festive spirit.
Marshmallow Treats: Soft, chewy marshmallow treats bring a fun twist that kids will love, enhancing the playful atmosphere of your festive gathering.

Make Ahead Options

These Swirled Christmas Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the unbaked dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, ensuring ready-to-bake convenience. Simply wrap each colored dough portion tightly in plastic wrap before chilling. For even longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped dough for up to one month. When you’re ready to bake, just slice the frozen log into rounds and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh, festive treats with minimal effort, just in time for any holiday gathering!

Swirled Christmas Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to these delightful cookies and make them truly your own!

Peppermint Twist: Replace almond extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor. Your kitchen will smell divine as they bake!
Coconut Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar to add a hint of caramel flavor and keep things lower on the glycemic index.
Vegan Option: Use a flax egg instead of a large egg to make these cookies fully vegan-friendly while retaining their delicious texture.
Gluten-Free Blend: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
Diverse Sprinkles: Change it up with themed sprinkles like snowflakes or candy canes to give your cookies a unique look for every holiday occasion.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a zesty surprise that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra decadent touch that pairs perfectly with the festive flavors.
Flavor Infusion: For a warm, cozy flavor, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a delightful twist reminiscent of holiday treats like my Pumpkin Smores Cookies.

These variations allow you to explore and adapt, keeping the spirit of baking alive in every delicious bite!

How to Store and Freeze Swirled Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep baked swirled Christmas cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days to preserve their freshness and softness.

Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, keeping them well-sealed to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the swirled Christmas cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container to enjoy them for up to one month.

Unbaked Dough Storage: The unbaked dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking!

Expert Tips for Swirled Christmas Cookies

Cream Correctly: Properly cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture that elevates your swirled Christmas cookies.
Chill for Success: Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping those beautiful swirls intact!
Measure Carefully: Use precise measurements for your ingredients to maintain the right dough consistency. This helps in achieving perfectly shaped cookies and prevents flat results.
Bake Just Right: Watch your cookies closely and avoid overbaking. They may look slightly soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool. Slightly underbaked cookies are always best!
Experiment with Colors: Feel free to get creative with gel food coloring. Mixing colors can produce beautiful and unique designs, making your swirled Christmas cookies even more visually appealing!

Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of food coloring should I use for these cookies?
I recommend using gel food coloring since it won’t alter the dough’s consistency as liquid food coloring might. The gel provides vibrant hues that make your swirled Christmas cookies pop with festive colors!

How should I store my Swirled Christmas Cookies?
Store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a warmer climate, the fridge works too—just be sure they’re sealed well to maintain their softness.

Can I freeze Swirled Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze these cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can last up to one month in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature for a delicious treat.

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the fridge for an additional 15-30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to roll and shape. Always remember to measure your flour carefully to prevent sticky dough!

Any considerations for allergies?
Yes! If anyone has nut allergies, you can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract or simply omit it altogether. Also, if you’re catering to gluten-free diets, a gluten-free flour blend works wonderfully in this recipe.

How can I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much during baking?
Chilling the dough is crucial! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps solidify the butter, preventing excessive spreading, and allows those lovely swirls to remain intact when baked.