Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies: 5 Festive Delights to Try

Ah, Christmas swirl butter cookies! Just saying the name makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. There’s something so magical about these vibrant, festive treats that instantly brighten up any holiday gathering. I remember making these with my family every Christmas; we’d gather around the kitchen, flour dusting our noses and laughter filling the air as we rolled the colorful dough into swirls.

The anticipation of pulling those golden cookies from the oven was always so exciting! They’re not just delicious; they’re a symbol of holiday cheer and togetherness. You’ll love how easy they are to whip up, and they look so pretty on a platter, too! Trust me, these cookies will become a delightful tradition in your home, just like they did in mine.

Ingredients List

You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your Christmas swirl butter cookies. Trust me, each plays a part in making these cookies fabulously festive!

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for that sweet melt-in-your-mouth texture
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, the backbone of our cookie dough
• 1/2 cup red and green sprinkles, because what’s a holiday cookie without a little color?
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to add that lovely warm flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness

How to Prepare Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies

Let’s get those festive vibes flowing with some delightful baking! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our cookies will bake perfectly. Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick!

Next, add in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well to combine all those flavors. Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, stirring just until the dough comes together. Now comes the fun part! Divide the dough in half and sprinkle red and green sprinkles into each portion. Gently knead the dough to distribute the colors without overworking it.

Roll each half into logs, and then twist them together to create a beautiful swirl. Slice the logs into rounds, about 1/2 inch thick, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake these beauties for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—your holiday cookies are ready to spread joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive appearance: These cookies are a feast for the eyes with their cheerful red and green swirls, making them a standout on any holiday dessert table.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delightful cookies ready in no time, even if you’re a baking novice!
• Perfect for holiday gatherings: They’re a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress family and friends at festive parties or cookie exchanges.
• Great for gifting: Pack them up in a cute tin or box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that spreads holiday cheer.
• Customizable with different sprinkles: Feel free to get creative! Use any colors or shapes of sprinkles to match your holiday theme or personal style.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Christmas swirl butter cookies turn out perfectly every time! First things first—when handling the dough, keep your hands cool to prevent it from getting too soft and sticky. If you find the dough is a bit too warm to roll, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm it up.

For baking, keep an eye on those cookies! Ovens can vary, so check them a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without breaking apart.

As for storage, keep these beauties in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They’re perfect for freezing too—just layer them between parchment paper and pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Trust me, they taste just as delightful after thawing!

Nutritional Information

These Christmas swirl butter cookies are not only delightful to eat but also come with a fun nutritional profile! Each cookie is approximately 100 calories, with about 5 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll find around 12 grams of carbohydrates, including 6 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy these festive treats in moderation and share the joy of the season!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these festive Christmas swirl butter cookies? No problem! I’ve got you covered with some common queries that pop up in my kitchen too.

Can I use different sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your sprinkles. Whether you want to match a specific color theme or try out seasonal shapes, the choice is all yours. Just make sure they’re colorful and fun!

How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to savor them longer, keep reading!

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste just as delightful!

How long do these cookies last?
If stored properly, your Christmas swirl butter cookies can last up to a week in an airtight container. But trust me, they’ll probably be gone well before then!

Can I make the dough in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling and slicing, as it’ll be easier to work with.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Christmas swirl butter cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfect for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat; they’re just as delightful straight from the freezer. Enjoy every festive bite!

Call to Action

I’d love to hear about your experiences making these Christmas swirl butter cookies! Did you add your own twist or try different sprinkles? Leave a comment below and share your festive creations! And if you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it and share it on social media—let’s spread the holiday cheer together!

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