Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re going to fall in love with this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come together with those beautiful red, green, and vanilla swirls that just scream holiday cheer. The best part? They taste just as fantastic as they look, soft and buttery with just the right hint of almond and vanilla. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to cookie for every holiday party or cozy night in.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these swirled Christmas cookies starts with classic baking staples, but the almond extract and gel food coloring elevate them beyond your typical sugar cookie. I always recommend using gel colors here because they give you those bright hues without messing up the dough’s consistency.

• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar for that tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps sweeten and aerate the dough when creamed with butter.
• Large Egg: For binding the dough and adding moisture – make sure it’s at room temp.
• Almond Extract: This is the secret to making your cookies festive without being overpowering.
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds a lovely depth and warmth to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies – measure carefully for best results.
• Cornstarch: Gives a soft, delicate crumb to the cookie.
• Baking Powder: Just enough lift for a soft bite without puffing up too much.
• Fine Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Christmas Sprinkles (Nonpareils): Adds festive crunch and color—roll the dough in them for extra fun.
• Red and Green Gel Food Coloring: For vivid, beautiful swirls that won’t bleed or dilute the dough.

Variations

I love customizing this Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe depending on the mood or the ingredients I have handy. Feel free to swap extracts or add fun mix-ins to make it your own—this cookie dough is pretty forgiving!

• Flavor Twist: I sometimes swap almond extract for peppermint extract for a classic holiday flavor that my family adores.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour works great if you want to make these allergy-friendly (just chill dough a bit longer).
• Sprinkle Swap: Play with different sprinkles or even crushed candy canes for added crunch and flavor variation.
• Double the Dough: This recipe scales up perfectly if you’re baking for a crowd or want to gift cookies to friends.

How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This is where the magic begins. Beat your room-temp butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes until the mixture is lighter in color and wonderfully fluffy. This creaming step is key—it traps air and gives your cookies that soft, tender texture I love. Don’t rush it—take your time here for the best results.

Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts

Lower the mixer speed to medium and add the egg along with almond extract and vanilla (or vanilla bean paste for that extra depth). Mix until everything is incorporated, scraping down the sides of your bowl as needed. The dough will start to come together here, smelling amazing already!

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Time to add in your flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Mix at low speed just until the dough comes together—don’t overmix or you risk tough cookies. The dough should be thick, easy to handle, but still soft enough to roll. Scrape the bowl well to be sure everything is properly combined.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide your dough into three equal parts. Leave one plain (the “white” dough), and tint the others with red and green gel food coloring. I flatten mine into rectangles about 1/3 inch thick—this helps them chill evenly and makes rolling easier later. Wrapping each in plastic wrap keeps them fresh and protected.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop your wrapped dough portions into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or freezer for 10 if you’re in a rush). You can also chill overnight and simply let the dough soften at room temperature for 5 minutes before rolling. Chilling is essential—this keeps the dough firm, prevents spreading, and helps create those gorgeous swirls.

Step 6: Roll and Stack the Dough

Roll each chilled dough piece out on plastic wrap (super easy cleanup) to about 7×12 inches. Stack the layers on parchment paper in order: green on the bottom, plain white in the middle, and red on top. Gently roll over them with your rolling pin to smooth and stick them together. Trim the edges for an even look, then cut one long side at an angle—this trick creates a more defined spiral once you roll!

Step 7: Roll into a Log and Coat with Sprinkles

Using the trimmed angled edge, carefully roll the dough stack into a tight spiral log. I like to lift the parchment to roll to keep everything neat. Seal the seam by gently pressing with your finger to avoid gaps. Then, pour your Christmas sprinkles onto a rimmed tray and roll or press the dough log in them until fully coated—you’ll get a fun colorful crust that screams holiday joy!

Step 8: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Use a sharp knife to slice cookies about 1/3 inch thick, keeping them cold so they hold their shape. If the dough gets too soft, chill the log again for 15–30 minutes. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart because they spread slightly. Bake one sheet at a time at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes. Rotate halfway through for even baking, and pull them out just before the edges brown to keep them soft. Those first or last pieces might look a bit funny—perfect for your personal taste testers!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma alone is worth the wait, and the taste? Pure holiday happiness. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, though if you’re anything like me, they won’t last that long.

How to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look, but sometimes I drizzle a little white chocolate on top for extra indulgence. The sprinkles coating the edges are festive enough, so no need to go overboard!

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of eggnog, hot chocolate, or a cozy cup of spiced tea. They also go great alongside a holiday cheese board or fruit platter for a fun dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like arranging them in clear mason jars layered with festive tissue paper, or tied up in a box with a ribbon and a sprig of fresh pine. At parties, stack them on tiered dessert trays to show off their swirled colors and sprinkle sparkles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. If you notice any softening, popping them in the fridge for a bit tightens their texture again nicely.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead, you can freeze the dough portions wrapped well in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, roll, and bake as usual. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

Leftovers reheat wonderfully in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, which revives that fresh-baked softness. You can also microwave one for about 10 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven approach keeps the texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Swirled Christmas Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because of how charming they look but because of the joy they bring when I bake them with family and friends. The process is fun – everything from dividing and coloring the dough to rolling it all up into a festive spiral. And the taste? Pure holiday nostalgia with that perfect balance of almond and vanilla. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—trust me, these cookies will become a holiday tradition you’ll cherish as much as I do. So, grab your rolling pin, crank up your favorite holiday tunes, and let’s bake some magic!

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