Description
Festive Swirl Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red and green gel food coloring
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Directions
Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough forms.
Divide and color: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain, color one red, and the other green using gel food coloring. Mix until the colors are fully blended.
Roll the dough: Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on parchment paper. Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough and the green dough on top of the red. Gently press the layers together.
Form the swirl: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the long edges. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Slice and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds. Roll the edges of each cookie in granulated sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set.
Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve and enjoy these festive treats!
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: ~120 kcal per cookie
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect swirls every time. After making the dough and dividing it into three portions, color one red and one green. On separate sheets of parchment paper, roll each portion into a neat rectangle, roughly 8×10 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Use a ruler or bench scraper to tidy the edges. Carefully slide the plain rectangle onto a baking sheet, then lift the parchment to place the red layer directly on top. Peel away its parchment. Repeat with the green layer. Use a rolling pin to gently press and adhere the layers. Starting from a long side, use the parchment to help you roll the dough into a tight, even log. The key is a firm, consistent roll to prevent gaps in the swirl.
Serving Suggestions
These vibrant cookies are a delight on any holiday dessert table. Arrange them on a tiered stand for a stunning display. For gifting, package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, or layer them in a decorative tin. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple vanilla or peppermint glaze.
How-to Summary
In short, you will: 1) Make a classic sugar cookie dough. 2) Divide and color portions red and green. 3) Roll each color into a rectangle and stack them. 4) Roll the stack into a tight log and chill. 5) Slice, sugar the edges, and bake until just set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
It’s not recommended. Gel coloring provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid coloring can make the dough sticky and dilute the colors.
Why is my dough log cracking when I slice it?
This usually means the dough is too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
How do I store these cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The dough log can be frozen for up to 3 months; just slice and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
My swirls aren’t defined. What went wrong?
This often happens if the dough layers were rolled too thick or the final log wasn’t rolled tightly enough. Ensure each layer is an even 1/4-inch and apply firm, even pressure when rolling.
Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Chilling is essential. It firms the butter, solidifies the swirl pattern, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until the flour is incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
- Uneven layers: Take time to roll each colored portion to a consistent thickness for a uniform swirl.
- Skipping the chill time: This leads to misshapen cookies and blurred swirls.
- Overbaking: Bake only until the edges are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Festive Swirl Sugar Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a joyful baking project that yields stunning, delicious results. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you’ll create impressive cookies that are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Their beautiful design and buttery flavor capture the spirit of the season in every bite.