Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Swirl Effect:
- Food coloring (red and green for a festive look or colors of your choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Divide and Color the Dough:
- Divide the dough evenly into two or three portions.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion and knead gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- Create the Swirl Pattern:
- Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick.
- Layer the rectangles on top of each other, alternating colors.
- Gently roll the layered dough into a log to create a swirl pattern when sliced.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat and Slice:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For Vibrant Colors: Use gel food coloring for more intense hues without altering the dough’s consistency.
- Make Ahead Tip: The dough log can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance or frozen for up to a month. Thaw slightly before slicing.
- Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Decorating Options: After baking, you can drizzle the cookies with white chocolate or sprinkle edible glitter for an extra festive touch.