Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies
Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, blending buttery goodness with festive colors and delightful swirls. These cookies not only taste amazing but also bring a pop of holiday cheer to your dessert table. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a decorative appearance, they’re a must-have for Christmas celebrations.
History of Butter Cookies
Butter cookies, or “Danish butter cookies,” originated in Denmark and have been a staple in holiday traditions worldwide. Their rich flavor and simple ingredients make them a timeless favorite. Over the years, creative bakers have added colorful twists to these cookies, resulting in festive variations like Christmas swirl butter cookies.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorations:
Red and green gel food coloring
Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Benefits of the Dish
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, making them easy to prepare.
- Festive Appeal: Bright colors and swirls make them a holiday favorite.
- Customizable: Add flavors like almond, peppermint, or citrus for a unique touch.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are beautiful and pack well for holiday gift boxes.
- Family-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids.
Formation of Flavors
The buttery base of these cookies is lightly sweetened and infused with vanilla and almond extracts. The festive colors and optional sprinkles add visual appeal without overpowering the classic butter cookie taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Divide and Color
- Divide the dough into three equal parts.
- Leave one part plain, color the second part red, and the third part green using gel food coloring.
- Knead the colors into the dough until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Create the Swirls
- Roll out each dough color between two sheets of parchment paper into equal-sized rectangles (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Stack the dough layers (e.g., red on bottom, white in the middle, green on top).
- Roll the stacked dough tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Add sprinkles if desired, pressing them gently into the dough.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely on wire racks.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Approximate)
Calories: 100-120 kcal
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Fat: 5-7g
Fiber: <1g
Conclusion
Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant swirls and rich, buttery flavor make them a standout addition to any holiday dessert spread. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to everyone who tries them.
Who Loves It?
These cookies are adored by:
Families: A favorite for holiday baking traditions with kids.
Party Hosts: Perfect for dessert platters or cookie swaps.
Gift Givers: A beautiful and delicious addition to Christmas gift boxes.
Classic Cookie Lovers: Simple, rich flavors never go out of style.
Holiday Enthusiasts: Bright colors and festive vibes make these a must-have.
Make these Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies part of your holiday tradition, and enjoy a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!