Peppermint Swirl Cookies

The first time I baked these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, my whole kitchen smelled like sweet holiday mint. They looked so bright and fun with those pretty red swirls. I knew right then they’d be a favorite.

The cookies are soft, buttery, and have that light peppermint taste that feels so fresh. Every bite has a little swirl of color that makes them extra special. I love making them when I want something simple but festive.

If you like cookies that feel cheerful and taste sweet and minty, you’ll love these. They’re cute, easy, and perfect for sharing or gifting. I always end up making a double batch.

So grab your butter, sugar, and peppermint, and let’s make these Peppermint Swirl Cookies together. They’re one of my favorite holiday treats, and I think you’ll love them too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The refreshing peppermint and decadent chocolate pair together in the most mouthwatering way.
• Swirled Dough for Fun Visual Appeal: The marbleized design isn’t just for looks—it gives you the best of both worlds in one bite!
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have these irresistible cookies in no time.
• Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies bring the perfect festive touch to your cookie tray. Peppermint and chocolate are a winning combo for Christmas and beyond!
• Great for Gifting: Looking for a delicious and impressive gift? These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, family, and coworkers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it, so you have fresh cookies ready whenever you need them.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather up these essential tools for the perfect batch of Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls for the different stages of the dough.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: This will help you cream the butter and sugar and ensure everything is well-combined.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two baking sheets, lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure perfect cookies every time.
• Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: A cookie scoop helps you portion dough evenly, ensuring your cookies bake uniformly.
• Cooling Rack: After baking, a cooling rack will help your cookies cool completely without getting soggy.

Ingredients

These cookies require two main doughs—a plain dough and a chocolate dough—that come together with white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint for that signature flavor.

Plain Dough Ingredients:

• Butter: 3/4 cup (170 grams), softened
• Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (170 grams)
• White Sugar: 1/2 cup (100 grams)
• Egg: 1 large
• Egg Yolk: 1 large
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 3/4 cup (90 grams)
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (about 90 grams)
• Crushed Peppermint: 1/4 cup (about 30 grams)

Chocolate Dough Ingredients:

• All-Purpose Flour: 3/4 cup (90 grams)
• Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup (about 20 grams)
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
• White Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup (about 90 grams)
• Crushed Peppermint: 1/4 cup (about 30 grams)

Variations for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

While these cookies are perfect as written, you can always customize them to suit your tastes or make them even more festive. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Mint Chocolate Chip Variation:

Instead of using white chocolate chips, you could use dark chocolate chips or mint chocolate chips for a different chocolatey twist.

2. Double the Peppermint Flavor:

If you want an extra punch of peppermint, add a bit of peppermint extract (about 1/2 teaspoon) to either dough.

3. Add Crushed Candy Canes:

For extra texture, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking. This will give them a delightful crunch and even more minty flavor.

4. Make Them Gluten-Free:

You can easily swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour (such as a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend) to make these cookies gluten-free.

5. Add White Chocolate Drizzle:

For an even more indulgent cookie, you could drizzle melted white chocolate on top after baking. This adds a lovely glossy finish and extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies might sound a little involved, but trust me—it’s really simple! The process is all about making two separate doughs, combining them, and then baking them to perfection. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Plain Dough

Start by creaming the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together in a mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until smooth and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the egg and egg yolk, then mix in the vanilla extract. Beat until well-combined.

Now, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed peppermint using a spatula. Set this dough aside.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Dough

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream the butter and sugars in a new bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and egg yolk, and then mix in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.

3. Combine the Two Doughs

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Using a spoon or your hands, take spoonfuls of each dough and place them side by side on a clean surface. Lightly press the two doughs together and swirl them lightly with a spatula to create a marbled effect.

Once you have a good swirl going, roll the dough into logs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough logs in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. If you’re short on time, you can also chill them in the freezer for 15 minutes.

4. Preheat and Slice

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Once the dough is chilled, slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. Don’t worry if the centers look a little soft—the cookies will firm up as they cool.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they stay nice and chewy on the inside while slightly crispy on the edges.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. You can serve them as:

• A Festive Treat: Perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or as a sweet snack to share with friends and family.
• A Giftable Goodie: Wrap them up in a cute tin or festive box to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

• Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze really well. Just layer them between parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To defrost, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	140 kcal
Total Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	25 mg
Sodium	65 mg
Total Carbohydrates	18 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Total Sugars	10 g
Protein	1 g
Calcium	10 mg
Iron	0.4 mg
Potassium	20 mg

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat, Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the answer. With the rich flavor of chocolate, the refreshing taste of peppermint, and the melt-in-your-mouth softness, these cookies are bound to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, gifting them to a friend, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Happy baking!