Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies bring together buttery goodness with rich chocolate and vanilla flavors for a visually stunning and delicious holiday treat. The process begins by creaming unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Dividing the dough into two parts allows for a simple transformation—one half forms the vanilla base, while the other turns chocolatey with the addition of cocoa powder. Rolled into small balls, these dough portions are skillfully arranged and swirled into a unique pattern. Once baked, they deliver a crisp, buttery texture with a balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting to loved ones.
Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies are a show-stopping holiday treat that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. These cookies blend rich, buttery goodness with swirls of vanilla and chocolate, creating a beautiful two-tone effect that is perfect for holiday cookie platters. To start, creamy butter and powdered sugar are beaten together until fluffy, forming the base of the dough. The dough is then split in half, with one portion becoming a classic vanilla dough and the other a chocolatey masterpiece, thanks to the addition of cocoa powder.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, room temperature
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
- Egg Yolks: 2
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- All-Purpose Flour (White Dough): 1 1/4 cups
- All-Purpose Flour (Chocolate Dough): 1 cup
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1/4 cup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, blend butter and powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until creamy. Add egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until combined.
- Step 2:
- Divide the butter mixture into two. For white dough, stir in 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. For chocolate dough, mix in 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
- Step 3:
- Roll 1/4 teaspoon portions of each dough into small balls.
- Step 4:
- Take 3 balls from each dough, alternate them in a flower shape. Lightly press together, then gently roll into a swirl shape.
- Step 5:
- Flatten the swirls slightly and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for 15-30 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 13-15 minutes until edges are golden.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For gifting, arrange in decorative tins with parchment paper dividers.
Helpful Notes
- For a more pronounced chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- To create perfectly shaped swirls, chill the dough balls for 10 minutes before shaping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Use a gentle rolling motion to avoid breaking the dough while forming swirls.
Festive Swirls of Flavor
These cookies not only taste great but also bring a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. The rich, buttery texture paired with swirls of chocolate and vanilla ensures they will be a favorite for all ages.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
Combining the timeless flavors of vanilla and chocolate with a buttery base makes these cookies irresistible. Their elegant swirl design makes them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray or gift box.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough up to 2 days in advance. Shape and bake as needed.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes, you can add almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the shaped dough before baking helps retain their shape.
What can I use as a cocoa substitute?
Carob powder can be used as a non-caffeinated alternative.
Summary
Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining rich buttery flavor with swirls of chocolate and vanilla. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually impressive, with their unique swirl design that makes them stand out on any festive dessert table. The recipe starts with a creamy mixture of unsalted butter and powdered sugar, followed by a division of the dough into vanilla and chocolate portions. The two doughs are rolled into small balls, alternated, and gently swirled into their signature shape before being chilled and baked. The result is a buttery, crisp cookie that balances the sweet, creamy taste of vanilla with the richness of chocolate. Ideal for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on a winter’s night.