Name: Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482656H55M39S
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Red and green food coloring

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Christmas is a time for festive baking, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with colorful and delicious Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies? These cookies are buttery, crisp, and visually stunning with their vibrant red and green swirls. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday party or simply spread some Christmas cheer, these swirl butter cookies are a perfect choice. The rich vanilla flavor combined with the classic buttery texture makes them a delightful treat for everyone to enjoy. Not only are they easy to make, but their festive look will certainly bring a smile to your face as you bite into each delicious swirl.

These cookies can become a part of your annual holiday tradition, adding both flavor and color to your Christmas celebrations. From decorating the cookies to serving them with a hot mug of cocoa, these Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence. Let the baking begin!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive and Fun

The bright red and green swirls make these cookies visually stunning, perfect for spreading holiday cheer at any gathering.

2. Buttery Perfection

These cookies have the perfect balance of buttery richness and light, crisp texture, making them irresistible to both kids and adults.

3. Easy to Make

Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are easy to prepare and require only a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

4. Customizable

You can change up the color combinations or add sprinkles for extra flair. The dough itself is a great base for other variations too!

5. Great for Gifting

These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box to give to friends and family for a thoughtful and tasty treat.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Red and green food coloring

Variations

Sprinkles: After rolling the dough, you can add festive sprinkles before baking for an extra pop of color and sweetness.
Flavor Twist: Add almond extract or citrus zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist alongside the classic vanilla.
Chocolate Chip Swirls: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough before rolling it up for a chocolatey touch.
Other Colors: Instead of red and green, try using different colors for birthdays, spring celebrations, or any other occasion!

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. You should have a soft and smooth dough.

Step 4: Divide and Tint the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and green food coloring to the other, mixing each until the colors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Roll each colored dough into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Ensure they are of similar size and shape.

Step 6: Create the Swirl

Place the red dough on top of the green dough, aligning the edges. Carefully roll the two doughs together to form a log.

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Uniform Rolling: Try to roll the dough evenly to ensure the cookies bake uniformly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. Overbaking will make them too crisp and they won’t have the tender, buttery texture.
Decorating Options: For a fun touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.

How to Serve

Serve your Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies as part of your holiday dessert spread, or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider. They also make a perfect addition to a Christmas cookie platter or a festive party snack table. These cookies are great for sharing and will certainly be a hit at any holiday gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They will stay fresh and crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, just enough to warm them up without losing their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies being too salty.

2. Can I use a different food coloring?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other food colors depending on the holiday or occasion. You can even use natural food colorings if you prefer.

3. Can I add sprinkles to the dough before baking?

Yes, you can sprinkle festive sprinkles on top of the dough before baking for a colorful and fun touch.

4. How do I make sure the dough doesn’t get too soft?

If the dough becomes too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.

5. How do I roll the dough evenly?

Use a rolling pin to roll out each half of the dough on a lightly floured surface, ensuring both pieces are the same thickness to avoid uneven cookies.

6. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, roll it into logs, and freeze it. Just slice and bake when you’re ready to serve.

7. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour (one tablespoon at a time) until it’s easier to handle.

8. How can I prevent the dough from sticking to the surface?

Lightly flour the surface and your rolling pin, or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

10. Can I decorate these cookies with icing?

Yes, these cookies can be decorated with royal icing or melted chocolate to add extra decoration or flavor.

Conclusion

Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are the perfect treat to bring some holiday cheer to your home. Their delightful colors and rich buttery taste make them a hit at any Christmas gathering, and they are easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or as a special gift, these cookies will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy this festive recipe and make it a new holiday tradition in your home!