Swirled Christmas Cookies

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Looking for a show-stopping holiday cookie that sparks joy at first glance? Swirled Christmas Cookies are your answer. With vibrant spirals of red and green sugar wrapped in buttery vanilla dough, these festive treats are as eye-catching as they are delicious.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet crunch and soft cookie center, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table or cookie exchange. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can make them ahead and still impress your guests with bakery-style charm.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these colorful cookies, gather your tools. You’ll need a rolling pin, stand mixer (or hand mixer), parchment paper, and a sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing the swirled log). Each tool plays a key role in the success of the swirl:

• Rolling pin: Ensures your dough rolls out evenly to achieve those precise, layered spirals.
• Mixer: Creams the butter and sugar efficiently, providing the right base texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes rolling up the dough easier.
• Sharp knife or floss: Helps create clean-cut cookies without crushing the shape.

Precision here leads to cookies that not only taste amazing but also look professionally made.

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Ingredients for the Swirled Christmas Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: The base of any great sugar cookie. Butter adds rich flavor and helps with structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and assists in the creaming process for a soft texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings out the cozy, aromatic essence of classic sugar cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and holds the shape of the swirl.
• Baking Powder: Offers a bit of lift for a tender crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Red and Green Sanding Sugar: These festive sugars are the magic behind the cookie’s bold swirled design.

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How To Make the Swirled Christmas Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This creates the creamy foundation of your dough.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, combining until the mixture is smooth and silky.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Split the dough into two equal portions. Flatten both slightly into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll and Layer with Sugar

Roll out each disc between parchment paper to equal dimensions. Sprinkle red sugar over one, green over the other. Stack them, gently pressing to adhere.

Step 6: Roll Into a Swirl

Using the parchment to assist, roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Wrap and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Slice the chilled log into rounds and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are just set.

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Serving and Storing Your Swirled Christmas Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature to showcase their soft centers and crisp sugar coating. Arrange them on a holiday platter, tuck them into cookie gift boxes, or use them as a charming addition to a dessert board.

For storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If making ahead, freeze the sliced dough rounds in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Simply bake from frozen when you’re ready—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the swirl from unraveling?

Roll the dough tightly and freeze the log before slicing. This helps the spiral stay intact and prevents spreading.

Can I use food coloring instead of sanding sugar?

Sanding sugar gives the swirl its texture and sparkle, but if you’d prefer colored dough, gel food coloring can be kneaded into sections before rolling.

Do these cookies hold their shape well?

Yes, thanks to the butter-flour ratio and the chilling steps. Keeping the dough cold before baking ensures crisp, clean edges.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Avoid overworking the dough, as gluten-free versions can be more delicate.

What if I don’t have sanding sugar?

Try using colored sprinkles or fine decorating sugar. Even plain swirls look pretty, especially with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Are they good for shipping?

Absolutely. Their firm edges and flat shape make them a great cookie to send to loved ones during the holidays.

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Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If these Swirled Christmas Cookies got you in the baking spirit, don’t stop here. For another festive and fruity option, try my Raspberry Crescent Rolls — they’re flaky, tart, and super easy to make.

Craving something creamy and adorable? Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries make a stunning addition to any holiday platter. You’ll also love the indulgent charm of my Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars, a no-bake favorite layered with flavor.

For a classic slice, check out the Elegant Lemon Marbled Cheesecake Bars. They strike the perfect balance of zesty and sweet, and their marbled top looks gorgeous on any dessert table.

And for a bit of cinnamon swirl magic, I highly recommend the Cinnamon Donut Bread — a cozy loaf that brings that donut-shop nostalgia into your kitchen.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your holiday baking board for later. Just click the Pin button!

If you give these cookies a whirl, let me know in the comments how they turned out. Did you go heavy on the sparkle? Did your swirls stay tight? I’d love to hear your spin on them.

For more festive inspiration and daily treats, follow along on my Pinterest: LadyPlate on Pinterest.

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