Transform your holiday cookie platter with these enchanting Sugar Swirl Cookies. With their mesmerizing spiral pattern and festive colors, these buttery cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a feast for the eyes that will have everyone at your Christmas gathering reaching for seconds.
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Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
These delightful swirl cookies are ideal for the holiday season for several reasons:
- The customizable colors let you create festive red and white spirals
- Their elegant pinwheel design adds visual interest to any cookie platter
- The make-ahead dough is perfect for busy holiday schedules
- They’re sturdy enough for cookie exchanges and gift boxes
- The sparkling sprinkle coating adds a magical holiday touch
- Kids love helping with the rolling and decorating process
The Recipe
Prep Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons soft butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (or customize with green for Christmas trees, etc.)
- Holiday sprinkles to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Dough
- Cream together the soft butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates the perfect cookie base.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Add red food coloring to one half, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
Creating the Swirl
- Place plastic wrap on a large cutting board.
- Roll out each dough portion into a 12×9-inch (30×22-cm) rectangle. Pro Tip: Use wax paper on top while rolling to prevent sticking
- Layer the red dough rectangle carefully over the plain one.
- Using the plastic wrap as a guide, tightly roll the layered dough into a log.
- Roll the log in holiday sprinkles until completely coated.
- Wrap tightly and chill for at minimum 4 hours or overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch (6-mm) rounds.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until just blonde. Note: Don’t overbake—edges should be just set but not brown
- Cool completely on wire racks.
Tips for Perfect Swirl Cookies
Dough Success
- Ensure butter is properly softened but not melted
- Chill dough thoroughly—don’t skip this step!
- Use a sharp knife for clean slices
- If dough gets too soft while working, return to refrigerator
Color Variations
- Traditional Christmas: Red and white
- Christmas Tree: Green and white
- Winter Wonderland: Blue and white
- Candy Cane: Red, white, and pink stripes (divide dough into three portions)
Sprinkle Options
- Red and green nonpareils for classic Christmas
- Gold and silver dragées for elegant occasions
- White sugar crystals for a snowy effect
- Rainbow nonpareils for festive fun
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Baked cookies keep for 1 week in an airtight container
- Layer cookies with parchment paper when storing
- Bring frozen dough to fridge temperature before slicing
Perfect for Gift-Giving
These cookies make wonderful Christmas gifts:
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon
- Layer in decorative tins with tissue paper
- Create cookie platters with other holiday favorites
- Include them in Christmas cookie exchange boxes
Why These Will Become Your Go-To Christmas Cookie
Sugar Swirl Cookies are more than just another sweet treat—they’re a holiday tradition in the making. Their striking appearance, delicious buttery taste, and versatile nature make them perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to formal holiday parties. The fact that you can make the dough ahead of time is a bonus during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at Christmas cookies for the first time, these Sugar Swirl Cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday baking repertoire. Their festive appearance and delicious taste embody the magic and joy of the Christmas season.
Remember, the key to perfect swirl cookies is patience—take your time with the rolling and chilling process, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, professional-looking cookies that taste as good as they look.
