Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
Why Make This Recipe
Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of love and celebration. These colorful cookies not only look impressive but also taste delicious, making them a great addition to any Valentine’s Day party or treat box. Their fun swirls and sprinkles make them a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make!
How to Make Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour (plus possibly a few more tablespoons)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup unsifted powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (cut in chunks)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp of food coloring of your choice (and/or 1/2 tsp of any desired extra extracts)
- 1 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Directions:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars. Mix on medium with a paddle until well blended.
- Gradually add the chunks of butter and continue mixing. Add vanilla extract and mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Remove the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Put one portion back into the mixer and add the food coloring and any extra extracts. Mix until the color is even.
- Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper until they’re about 11 x 9 inches and 1/4 inch thick.
- Chill the rolled-out dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once firm, remove the top sheets of wax paper from both pieces. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water using a pastry brush.
- Flip the colored dough onto the vanilla dough so they are stacked evenly. Press the edges lightly to seal them together.
- Trim the edges with a small knife to make straight, even lines. Make sure the dough is cold but flexible.
- Roll the long side of the dough into a swirl, jelly-roll style.
- Pour the sprinkles onto a large platter and set aside. Lift the dough log onto the sprinkles and roll it to coat.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze it for up to three months.
- When ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
These cookies are perfect for sharing! Present them on a festive platter or in a beautiful cookie tin. You can also pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea, making them a delightful snack for a cozy gathering. They also make a sweet gift for loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
How to Store Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Tips to Make Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For vibrant colors, choose bright food coloring and ensure even mixing to avoid streaks.
- Roll the dough tightly to achieve beautiful swirls.
- If the dough gets too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Variation
Feel free to change up the colors of the food coloring to match different occasions! Instead of holiday sprinkles, try using colored sugar or themed sprinkles for birthdays, holidays, or other celebrations.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can use different types of sugars, but it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
2. How can I make the cookies more festive?
You can add themed sprinkles, use cookie cutters after rolling the dough, or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies.
3. What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 77 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful swirl cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day, featuring colorful layers and festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus possibly a few more tablespoons)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup unsifted powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (cut in chunks)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp food coloring of your choice
- 1 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars. Mix on medium with a paddle until well blended.
- Gradually add the chunks of butter and continue mixing. Add vanilla extract and mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Remove the dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Put one portion back into the mixer and add the food coloring and any extra extracts. Mix until the color is even.
- Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper until they are about 11 x 9 inches and 1/4 inch thick.
- Chill the rolled-out dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once firm, remove the top sheets of wax paper from both pieces. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water using a pastry brush.
- Flip the colored dough onto the vanilla dough so they are stacked evenly. Press the edges lightly to seal them together.
- Trim the edges with a small knife to make straight, even lines. Make sure the dough is cold but flexible.
- Roll the long side of the dough into a swirl, jelly-roll style.
- Pour the sprinkles onto a large platter and set aside. Lift the dough log onto the sprinkles and roll it to coat.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze it for up to three months.
- When ready to bake, slice the dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 17 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
