Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies

Introduction

Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are festive and visually appealing treats perfect for holiday celebrations. These cookies feature a delightful swirl of red, green, and plain dough, embodying the holiday spirit. They are buttery, slightly crispy, and a favorite for cookie swaps or as edible gifts. Their preparation involves simple ingredients and a straightforward process, making them accessible even for novice bakers​.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Food Coloring: Red and green gel food coloring​

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, and mix until smooth.
   • Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
2. Color and Shape:
   • Divide the dough into three portions: leave one plain and color the other two with red and green gel food coloring.
   • Roll each portion into rectangles (about ¼ inch thick) on wax paper.
3. Layer and Roll:
   • Stack the dough layers in the desired order (plain, red, green), then gently press them together.
   • Roll the layered dough into a log to create the swirl effect. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Slice and Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • Slice the dough into ¼-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between cookies.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely​.

Conclusion

Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also a joyful addition to holiday celebrations. Their vibrant appearance and buttery flavor make them a hit with both kids and adults. Customize the colors for different occasions or stick with the classic red and green for a traditional holiday touch.