Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, you’re in for a real joy with this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together buttery, tender dough with a charming swirl of rich cocoa, creating a beautiful contrast that’s perfect for the holiday season. The combination of soft textures, the sweet hint of vanilla, and a pop of festive color from red and green sprinkles make these cookies an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try these swirled beauties, they’ll become a new holiday tradition you look forward to every year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics that make this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe such a standout. Each ingredient is simple yet essential, contributing to the flavor, texture, and charming look of these holiday cookies.

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, giving structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the light, fluffy texture.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together with moisture and richness.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adds extra tenderness and chewiness.
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the swirl, giving a luscious chocolate flavor and rich color.
• 2 cups powdered sugar (for decoration): An optional dusting that adds a snowy, festive touch.
• Red and green sprinkles (for decoration): Bright and cheerful for that unmistakable holiday vibe.

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily when they’re done.

Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these now ensures even distribution and keeps your dough consistent from batch to batch.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large bowl and mix your softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a little pale—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step makes the cookies tender and sweetly rich.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Now add your egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until everything comes together smoothly. This adds moisture and that classic comforting flavor we all love in holiday cookies.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, blending gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here to keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Divide and Flavor the Dough

Split the dough evenly into two parts. To one half, incorporate the unsweetened cocoa powder thoroughly—this will be the chocolate half of your swirl. Leave the other half plain for the perfect contrast.

Step 7: Shape and Chill the Dough Logs

On a lightly floured surface, place each half of dough in the center of pieces of plastic wrap. Shape each into a log and wrap tightly. Refrigerate the logs for at least an hour until firm—this chilling step is key for clean slicing later!

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough Rectangles

Once chilled, unwrap and roll each log into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. This sizing helps the swirl look just right when you combine the layers.

Step 9: Layer and Roll the Swirl

Place the cocoa rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle. Starting from one edge, roll the layers tightly into a log. This rolling is where the magic swirl begins.

Step 10: Chill the Swirled Log Again

Wrap your swirled log in plastic wrap once more and refrigerate for another hour so it firms up, making slicing easier and cleaner.

Step 11: Slice and Bake

Once chilled, slice the log into 1/4 inch thick cookies. Arrange them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just turn a light golden hue. Your kitchen will start smelling like holiday heaven!

Step 12: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and festive red and green sprinkles for that perfect holiday presentation.

How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies already look festive, but a light dusting of powdered sugar and colorful sprinkles takes them over the top. You can also add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Swirled Christmas Cookies go beautifully alongside a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday latte. A glass of cold milk is always a classic pairing that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your cookies on a decorative platter, interspersed with fresh holly leaves or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch. Wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine makes heartwarming gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to a week, ready whenever you need a sweet holiday pick-me-up.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the cookie logs before slicing or the baked cookies themselves in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and make your busy holiday season a breeze.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, pop cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This helps restore that fresh-baked softness and aroma, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works best for achieving the perfect texture in these Swirled Christmas Cookies. Using other flours might change the consistency and baking time, so if you must substitute, expect a slightly different outcome.

How can I make the cookies dairy-free?

You can swap the unsalted butter for a non-dairy margarine or coconut oil, and ensure your powdered sugar and sprinkles are dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the festive fun!

Is it okay to skip the sprinkles?

Absolutely! The sprinkles add a festive flair but the cookies still taste fantastic without them. You can also get creative with other decorations like edible glitter or colored sugar.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Sure! Chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips would complement the flavors nicely. Just fold them carefully into the dough after mixing to keep the swirl pattern intact.

What’s the best way to prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin before rolling out the dough. Also, chilling the dough logs thoroughly before rolling helps keep things manageable and less sticky.

Final Thoughts

Making this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe is such a joyous way to get into the holiday spirit. The pretty swirls, the soft texture, and the festive decorations all come together to create a cookie that’s simply irresistible. I promise once you bake and share these, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. So grab your apron and get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and holiday cheer!

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