Save Festive, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
I always enjoy making these cookies with my family during the holidays; the colors bring extra cheer to our kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For Coloring and Decoration: Red gel food coloring, Green gel food coloring, 1/3 cup (65 g) colored sanding sugar (red and green), optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes).
- Step 3:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Step 5:
- Divide the dough into three equal portions. Leave one plain. Tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green, mixing each until the color is even.
- Step 6:
- Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 9x6 inches (23x15 cm), to roughly the same size and thickness. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Carefully stack the colored dough rectangles, placing the plain layer on the bottom, followed by red, then green. Trim edges to align.
- Step 8:
- Tightly roll up the dough from the long side into a log, peeling away the parchment as you go. If desired, roll the log in colored sanding sugar for a festive edge.
- Step 9:
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, until firm.
- Step 10:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 11:
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch (0.6 cm) rounds and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 12:
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, until just set but not browned. Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save Making these cookies has become a cherished family tradition that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, parchment paper, plastic wrap, sharp knife, baking sheets, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Colored sugars and food coloring may contain allergens; check labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 90 per cookie, Total Fat: 4.5 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 1 g
Save These cookies are a colorful and tasty treat that’s sure to brighten any holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve vibrant red and green swirls?
Divide the dough into three parts; leave one plain, tint the others with red and green gel food coloring, then layer and roll for distinct, vivid swirls.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dough log?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice thin rounds without losing the swirl pattern or shape during baking.
- → Can these swirls be customized for other occasions?
Yes, you can substitute the coloring and sanding sugars to match themes or holidays, adjusting shades as desired.
- → How can I enhance flavor beyond vanilla?
Adding a half teaspoon of almond extract to the plain dough imparts a subtle, nutty depth complementing the buttery base.
- → How should I store these buttery swirls for freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve softness and flavor, or freeze dough logs to bake later.