Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

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Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat, perfect for adding a festive touch to your cookie tray. These cookies boast a rich, buttery flavor complemented by vibrant swirls of color, making them as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether youā€™re baking for a holiday party, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

  1. Visually Appealing: The vibrant swirls of color in these cookies make them a standout addition to any holiday dessert table.
  2. Delicious Flavor: The rich, buttery taste of these cookies is a classic that everyone loves.
  3. Fun to Make: Rolling and swirling the dough is a fun activity that you can do with kids or friends, adding a festive spirit to your baking.
  4. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look beautiful when packaged in festive tins or boxes, making them a thoughtful homemade gift.
  5. Versatile Recipe: You can customize the colors and shapes to suit any holiday or occasion, not just Christmas.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (red and green for Christmas)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Directions & Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide and Color Dough: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain, color the second portion red, and the third portion green.
  6. Roll and Swirl Dough: Roll out each portion of dough into rectangles. Stack the colored doughs on top of each other, then roll into a log. Slice the log into cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Per Cookie (approx. 24 cookies)

  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Potassium: 10mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Calcium: 1% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

Variations

  • Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
  • Decorations: Top the cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles before baking for added festive flair.
  • Color Combinations: Customize the colors to suit any holiday, such as pink and red for Valentineā€™s Day or pastels for Easter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough logs for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Can I use different food coloring? Absolutely! Use any food coloring to match your holiday or occasion theme.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling and swirling.
  • Even Swirls: Roll the dough layers evenly to ensure consistent swirls and avoid uneven baking.
  • Prevent Spreading: Chill the sliced cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a festive dessert after a family meal. Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a delightful treat. They also make a beautiful addition to holiday gift baskets or as a sweet surprise in a lunchbox.