Even though I pretty much eat cookies year round, it always feels a little more justified this time of year. I mean, Thanksgiving and Christmas without any cookies…that sounds kind of sad!
So, if you stop by my house, you are sure to find at least some kind of baked good or treat sitting around. I love experimenting with different flavors and ideas until I come up with the perfect treat. Fortunately for me, I have my little Jack to help me with all my baking, so it’s even more fun, even if he’s constantly trying to trick me into letting him eat bits and pieces of the ingredients along the way.
ANYWAYS. I’m so super excited about this recipe! I started thinking about how much I wanted to make sugar cookies a week or so ago, and I thought it would be fun to make them look like candy canes. Then I though, why not add some peppermint? I’d never had peppermint flavored sugar cookies before, so I just went with it, and I really loved it. I only put about 1/2 teaspoon in, and it wasn’t overpowering at all (Forrest doesn’t love peppermint.) However, if you love peppermint, go ahead and put a full teaspoon in!
Also, as I was researching different sugar cookie recipes, I was a little distraught that most of them I found didn’t have cream of tartar in them…isn’t that a sugar cookie staple?! Either way, this sugar cookie recipe definitely has cream of tartar. I just love the flavor it gives to sugar cookies.
I think the finishing touch on these cookies was the sugar crystals! I used Bob’s Red Mill sparkling sugar, and it made them look so pretty – don’t you think?!
Oh, and just in case you get confused with assembly, here is a little visual for you:
Another thing I love about Christmas is Christmas cards! This year I had the opportunity to work with Minted, which produces AMAZING holiday products. I ordered a couple different products, and I was so pleased with how quickly I got them, and the quality of the product. I ordered traditional holiday cards, holiday card ornaments to put on plates of goodies we give others, and, my personal favorite, the booklette cards, which are a Christmas card and newsletter all-in-one!
Swirled Peppermint Sugar Cookies & Holiday Giveaway!
Yield:
0
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 3/4 cup flour
- Red food coloring
- Sugar Crystals
Instructions
- Cream butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl.
- Add egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, baking soda, and cream of tarter in until combined.
- Add flour, one cup at a time, until all the flour is mixed in well.
- Knead into a ball and refrigerate for about an hour.
- After an hour, divide dough into two equal pieces.
- Add red food coloring to one portion and work it in until all of the dough is pink/red.
- Roll both portions out until rectangles, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Add a little bit of water to the top of the white dough and then place the red dough on top. Gently roll the rolling pin on top until they are stuck together.
- Roll the dough up. Wet the outside with a small amount of water. Sprinkle sugar crystals on top.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Slice pieces of the dough off, about 1/2 inch thick, and place on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 8-10 minutes. You want to make sure to watch them carefully, because the peppermint chips may start to burn before the cookies would.
Here are some other delicious Holiday recipes you might enjoy!
Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix from The Bitter Side of Sweet –
Toasted Pecan Pie Crust Mix from Frugal Foodie Mama –
Gingerbread Yogurt Waffles with Powdered Sugar Glaze from Melanie Makes –
Easy Cherry Pie Cookies from Pint Sized Baker –
Candy Cane Swirl Cookies from Clarks Condensed –
How to Throw a Cookie and Cocoa Party from Juggling Act Mama
Katie is a Colorado-native, BYU graduated, and most importantly, wife to one and mother to three beautiful boys. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others – especially about pregnancy, breastfeeding, cooking, and crafts. She is currently training to be a Certified Lactation Educator. She loves spending time with her family and helping others find joy in family life.
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
These look like the perfect holiday cookie – so prety!
Katie says
Thank you!
Karyn - Pint Sized Baker says
Candy Cane anything is GREAT! I love these swirled cookies!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Oh, I love how festive these are, Katie! 🙂 And I have to admit- I am fan of the sugar cookies sans the cream of tartar. I like a sugar cookie with a little bit of a chewier texture. These look amazing- pinned! 🙂
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet says
I love the swirl in these! My hubby is not too fond of peppermint either but the rest of us are! The kids would enjoy making these at home with me!