Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies

Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies : The holiday season is synonymous with sweet treats, festive gatherings, and cherished family traditions. One delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire is the Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies. These cookies not only taste heavenly but also evoke the spirit of the season with their vibrant colors and charming shape. Let’s dive into the joy of creating these festive cookies!

The Tradition of Baking Together

Baking cookies during the holiday season has become a beloved tradition for many families. It’s a time when loved ones come together in the kitchen to share stories, laughter, and, most importantly, delicious treats. As the peppermint-infused aroma wafts through the air, it creates an atmosphere of warmth and joy, perfect for making lasting memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps to create a creamy texture for your cookies.

2. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the mixture, mixing until well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Creating the Swirl

4. Divide the Dough: Split the dough into two equal parts. Leave one portion untouched for the white cookie base.

5. Color the Second Portion: In the second half, add a few drops of red food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed, creating a vibrant red dough.

Shaping the Cookies

6. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out both the white and red dough into about 1/4-inch thickness.

7. Cut into Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create tree shapes from both the red and white dough. You can layer the cookie shapes or create a checkerboard pattern to enhance the swirl effect.

8. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Decorating the Cookies

9. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating. You can use royal icing, powdered sugar glaze, or simply sprinkle them with festive decorations.

10. Enjoy with Loved Ones: Once decorated, gather around with family and friends to savor these delicious Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies together, or package them as heartfelt gifts for neighbors and loved ones.

Conclusion

Creating Peppermint Red and White Swirl Tree Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating beautiful memories and traditions that last a lifetime. With their festive colors and delightful peppermint flavor, these cookies will surely become a treasured part of your holiday festivities. So gather your loved ones and embark on this delicious adventure together. Happy baking!