Jolly Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe: Festive Holiday Magic

Magical christmas butter swirl cookies dance between sweet nostalgia and festive creativity.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers memories of holiday kitchen adventures.

Delicate spirals promise a melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures seasonal joy.

Crisp edges complement soft, buttery centers with elegant simplicity.

Powdered sugar dusting adds a gentle winter wonderland touch.

Rich vanilla undertones complement the classic butter base perfectly.

These little gems will make your celebration sparkle with homemade deliciousness.

Why Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Feel Like The Holidays

• Create Visual Delights: Swirl these stunning two-toned cookies that look like miniature edible art pieces, perfect for impressing family and friends during holiday gatherings.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn an easy decorative rolling method that transforms basic cookie ingredients into sophisticated-looking treats without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Customize Holiday Flavors: Enjoy the classic combination of vanilla and chocolate doughs that provide a delicious contrast in every single bite, making these cookies irresistibly tempting.
• Quick Festive Preparation: Craft these beautiful Christmas cookies with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing you to spend more quality time celebrating with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, delicate cookie texture.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, moisture, and help bind the cookie dough together.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor that complements the butter and sugar.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder: Form the base of the cookie dough and create the two-toned swirl effect.

How To Make Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and vigorously beat butter with powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until achieving a smooth, fluffy consistency. Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt, blending thoroughly until all ingredients unite harmoniously.

Step 2: Create Dual Dough Variations

Carefully split the mixture into two equal portions. For the classic vanilla dough, gently fold in all-purpose flour.

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder

Mix each dough until achieving a uniform texture.

Step 3: Shape Delicate Dough Balls

Pinch small portions of both vanilla and chocolate doughs, rolling them into petite, uniform spheres approximately the size of a quarter teaspoon.

Step 4: Craft Swirled Cookie Design

Select three balls from each dough color. Arrange them alternately in a charming flower-like pattern.

Tenderly press the balls together, then delicately roll into an elegant swirl formation.

Step 5: Prepare for Chilling

Gently flatten the swirled cookies and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Transfer the sheet to the refrigerator, allowing cookies to chill for 15-30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Slide the chilled cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Watch for golden-brown edges signaling their delicious readiness.

Tips That Help With Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
• Chill dough before baking to prevent spreading and maintain intricate swirl design.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich, deep chocolate flavor in the swirled cookies.
• Experiment with different color combinations by adding food coloring to vanilla dough for festive variations.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Fun Twists On Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

• Festive Peppermint Cookies: Replace vanilla extract with peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking for a minty holiday flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the chocolate dough for added crunch and rich nutty undertones.
• Orange Zest Vanilla Cookies: Incorporate fresh orange zest into the vanilla dough to create a bright, citrusy note that complements the buttery base.
• Spiced Holiday Cookies: Add ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to both doughs for a warm, traditional Christmas spice profile.

Perfect Pairings For Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

• Pair Festive Hot Chocolate: Brew rich, dark hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon to complement the cookie's sweet vanilla and chocolate swirls.
• Create Holiday Wine Match: Select a dessert moscato or port wine with subtle fruity notes that enhance the cookies' delicate buttery texture.
• Enjoy Creamy Espresso Companion: Prepare a smooth, velvety espresso with a touch of cream to balance the cookie's rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Serve Spiced Chai Latte: Mix a warm, aromatic chai latte with gentle spices that perfectly harmonize with the cookie's delightful chocolate and vanilla layers.

How To Keep Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring complete seal to prevent freezer burn.
• Room Temperature: Keep in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Reheating: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 5-10 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore softness.

Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Q&A

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the shaped cookie dough for up to 2 weeks.

• How do I get a perfect swirl pattern?

Use equal-sized dough balls and gently press them together before rolling. Take your time and be patient while creating the swirl to ensure a beautiful, consistent pattern.

• Do I need any special tools to make these cookies?

No special tools are required. Just use a standard mixer, baking sheet, and parchment paper. A gentle touch and patience are more important than fancy equipment.

• Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?

Make sure to chill the cookie dough before baking. Cold dough helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the swirl shape during baking.

Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 28-45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories swirl into delightful Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies, offering delicate festive charm. Buttery, delicate shortbread spirals promise rich holiday joy for cookie enthusiasts eager to savor classic seasonal delight.

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Ingredients

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Butter and Dairy:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour (for white dough)
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (for chocolate dough)
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy, incorporating egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt thoroughly.
2. Separate the mixture into two equal portions: vanilla dough with all-purpose flour, and chocolate dough with flour and cocoa powder.
3. Create tiny uniform dough balls from both vanilla and chocolate variations, ensuring consistent marble-sized portions.
4. Arrange alternating colored dough balls in a decorative flower-like pattern, gently pressing and rolling them together to form elegant swirled cookies.
5. Delicately flatten the swirled cookie shapes and position them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to firm the dough.
6. Heat oven to 325°F (160°C), allowing sufficient preheating time to ensure even baking temperature.
7. Bake cookies for 13-15 minutes, watching carefully until edges develop a subtle golden-brown hue, indicating perfect doneness.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing to ensure perfect texture and easy blending.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract and pure cocoa powder for rich, intense flavor that elevates the cookie’s taste profile.
• Chill dough thoroughly before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain intricate swirl design during baking.
• Experiment with different color combinations by adding food coloring to vanilla dough for festive, eye-catching cookies.

• Prep Time: 15-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg