Candy Cane Swirl Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Bakes

These colorful sweets combine soft sugar dough with a refreshing peppermint twist, layered and rolled to form striking red-and-white swirls. Chilled dough halves are joined, rolled tightly, and sliced to bake into light, flavorful bites. Garnished optionally with crushed peppermint pieces, they bring a festive spirit ideal for gatherings or gifting. Preparation involves mixing basic ingredients, flavoring with vanilla and peppermint extracts, and careful shaping to achieve the signature swirl pattern. Cooling post-baking ensures the perfect texture and ease of handling.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Warm, freshly baked Candy Cane Swirl Cookies with festive red and white peppermint swirls, ready to eat! Pin this
Warm, freshly baked Candy Cane Swirl Cookies with festive red and white peppermint swirls, ready to eat! | plumoven.com

Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.

I first served this to my family during the holidays and they couldn’t get enough of the sweet peppermint flavor and cheerful colors.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • Coloring: Red gel food coloring
  • Garnish (optional): 1/2 cup (70 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour baking powder and salt Set aside
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy about 2 3 minutes
Step 3:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract Beat until combined
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms
Step 5:
Divide dough in half Add red food coloring to one portion and knead until desired color is achieved Leave the other half plain
Step 6:
Shape each dough half into a rectangle wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes
Step 7:
Roll out each dough separately between parchment to a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick
Step 8:
Stack the red dough over the plain dough peel away the top parchment and gently press together
Step 9:
Starting from a long side tightly roll up the dough into a log Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm
Step 10:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) Line baking sheets with parchment
Step 11:
Slice the chilled log into 1/4 inch rounds Arrange on prepared sheets spacing 2 inches apart
Step 12:
Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if desired
Step 13:
Bake for 10 12 minutes until edges are just set and cookies are no longer shiny
Step 14:
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Close-up of beautiful, swirled Candy Cane Swirl Cookies, perfect for sharing at a holiday party. Pin this
Close-up of beautiful, swirled Candy Cane Swirl Cookies, perfect for sharing at a holiday party. | plumoven.com

These cookies always bring back warm memories of our family holiday baking days spent laughing and sharing stories.

Notes

These cookies freeze well store in an airtight container for up to 1 month Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a festive treat

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter) Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens check packaging Always double-check ingredient labels if you have food allergies

These delicious Candy Cane Swirl Cookies have a swirl of red and white, offering a festive taste of the holidays. Pin this
These delicious Candy Cane Swirl Cookies have a swirl of red and white, offering a festive taste of the holidays. | plumoven.com

Enjoy these festive treats with friends and family for a memorable holiday season.

Candy Cane Swirl Cookies

Vibrant sugar treats with peppermint swirls, ideal for festive occasions and sharing.

Prep time
25 min
Time to cook
12 min
Total Duration
37 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Medium

Cuisine type American

Servings made 36 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Dough

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 1 cup granulated sugar
06 1 large egg
07 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Coloring

01 Red gel food coloring

Garnish (optional)

01 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

How-To Steps

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add egg and extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamed mixture; beat until fully combined.

Step 04

Form dough: Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 05

Color dough: Divide the dough evenly; add red gel food coloring to one half and knead until evenly colored, leaving the other half uncolored.

Step 06

Chill dough halves: Shape each dough half into a rectangle, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 07

Roll dough: Roll each dough portion between parchment paper to approximately 1/4-inch thickness in a rectangle shape.

Step 08

Layer dough: Place the red dough sheet atop the plain dough sheet, remove the top parchment, and press gently to adhere the layers together.

Step 09

Roll into log: Starting from a long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 10

Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 11

Slice dough: Cut the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange them on the prepared sheets, spaced two inches apart.

Step 12

Add garnish: Optionally, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the cookie slices before baking.

Step 13

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are just set and surface loses its shine.

Step 14

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter).
  • Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens; verify packaging accordingly.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 95
  • Fats: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g