Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with these rich and delightful Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies. This recipe combines two luscious flavors—deep chocolate and refreshing peppermint—into an eye-catching and delicious treat. Each cookie features a beautiful pinwheel design, making them perfect for holiday trays or as a special gift for loved ones. Their large size makes them a satisfying dessert, while the subtle crunch of crushed candy canes adds a festive flair. Make extra batches to share, as these delectable confections are sure to impress everyone at your gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
1 cup (none)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1 tablespoon (none)
powdered sugar
for rolling dough (none)
unsweetened chocolate
3 ounces (melted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
egg yolk
1 (none)
peppermint extract
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed candy canes or peppermint candy
1/2 cup (crushed)
red food coloring
optional (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3
Using an electric stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the beaten egg and milk, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.
4
Gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients at low speed, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The dough will be stiff and crumbly, resembling shortbread.
5
Carefully divide the dough in half. To one half, add the melted unsweetened chocolate and vanilla extract. Use your hands to incorporate the chocolate thoroughly.
6
In the other half, mix in the egg yolk, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. Optionally, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a lovely peppermint pink color. Mix until fully combined.
7
Cover both dough portions with plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes to firm up.
8
Once slightly chilled, roll out each dough separately on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Layer the peppermint dough on top of the chocolate dough and gently press the edges to seal.
9
Using waxed paper or a flexible cutting board, carefully roll the combined dough into a log shape. Wrap it in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 6 hours for easier slicing).
10
When ready to bake, remove the log from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
11
Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
12
After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
13
Store the cookies in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
These are festive holiday cookies that feature a beautiful pinwheel design combining rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors.
What is the primary flavor profile of these cookies?
The cookies blend deep chocolate with refreshing peppermint and include a subtle crunch from candy canes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
What dry ingredients need to be sifted?
You should sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
How should the butter and sugar be combined?
Cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the expected texture of the dough after mixing?
The dough will be stiff and crumbly, similar to the texture of shortbread.
How do I create the chocolate portion of the dough?
Divide the dough in half and incorporate melted unsweetened chocolate and vanilla extract into one portion.
What ingredients are added to the peppermint half of the dough?
The peppermint half includes an egg yolk, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes.
Is red food coloring necessary for this recipe?
No, red food coloring is optional but can be used to achieve a peppermint pink color.
How long should the dough chill before rolling?
Chill both dough portions in the refrigerator for about 5 to 10 minutes to firm them up.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Each dough portion should be rolled out to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
How is the swirl pattern created?
Layer the peppermint dough on top of the chocolate dough, press the edges, and roll them together into a log shape.
How long does the log of dough need to be refrigerated?
The log should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though up to 6 hours is better for easier slicing.
How thick should the cookie slices be?
Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
How far apart should the cookies be placed on the baking sheet?
Arrange the slices about 1 inch apart to allow for spreading.
What is the total baking time?
The cookies should bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
Should I rotate the baking sheet?
Yes, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
How long should the cookies rest on the sheet after baking?
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before moving them.
Where should the cookies cool completely?
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
How should the finished cookies be stored?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
The cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored properly.
What type of chocolate is recommended for the chocolate dough?
Use 3 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate.
Can I use peppermint candy instead of candy canes?
Yes, you can use either crushed candy canes or peppermint candy.
What role does the egg yolk play in the peppermint dough?
The egg yolk is added specifically to the peppermint half to help bind the ingredients and adjust the texture.
Is powdered sugar used in the recipe?
Yes, powdered sugar is used for rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
What size are these cookies?
The recipe description notes that these are large cookies.
Does the dough require any milk?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of milk.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed, including the optional food coloring.
Can these cookies be given as gifts?
Yes, their eye-catching pinwheel design makes them perfect for holiday gift-giving.