Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies are a festive and colorful treat perfect for celebrating love and friendship. These buttery, tender cookies feature a fun swirl of vanilla and vibrant color, enhanced by delightful holiday sprinkles. They’re a charming addition to any Valentine’s celebration or gift.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour, plus a few extra tablespoons if needed
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup unsifted powdered sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon food coloring of your choice and/or ½ teaspoon of any desired extra extracts
• 1 ½ cups holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium until well blended.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the butter chunks and continue mixing until the dough begins to form a ball. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Remove the dough from the bowl and divide it into two equal portions.
4. Step 4: Return one portion to the mixer, add the food coloring and any additional extracts, then mix until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Roll out each portion between two sheets of wax paper until about 11 x 9 inches and ¼ inch thick. Place both rolled dough sheets onto a cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Step 6: When firm, remove the top wax paper from both sheets. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water, then flip the colored dough onto it, aligning the edges evenly. Press the edges gently to seal.
7. Step 7: Trim the edges with a small knife to create straight lines.
8. Step 8: Keep the dough cold but flexible. Starting with the long side, roll the dough into a swirl, jelly-roll style.
9. Step 9: Pour sprinkles onto a large plate. Gently place the dough log onto the sprinkles and roll to coat the outside evenly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze for up to three months.
10. Step 10: Slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch thick slices. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 17 minutes, until edges turn golden brown.
11. Step 11: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense color, add a few drops of gel food coloring instead of powdered extracts.
• Try different extract flavors such as almond, peppermint, or citrus to personalize your cookies.
• If the dough feels too soft while rolling, chill it longer to prevent sticking and ensure clean slices.
• Use your favorite sprinkles or colored sugar blends to match other holidays or themes.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or enjoy at room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze it wrapped in plastic for up to three months. Just slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can mix the dough by hand using a sturdy spoon or spatula. Cut the butter into the flour and sugar mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until combined, then continue as directed.

Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

These Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies feature a beautiful two-tone swirl design with festive sprinkles, perfect for the holiday. With a tender buttery texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies combine classic flavors and eye-catching presentation to make a delightful treat for sharing with loved ones.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours including chilling time
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus a few extra tablespoons if needed
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup unsifted powdered sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon food coloring of your choice (optional)
• ½ teaspoon extra extract of your choice (optional)

Decoration

• 1 ½ cups holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until well blended.
2. Add Butter and Vanilla: Gradually add the chunks of unsalted butter to the dry mixture while mixing continuously. Once combined, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
3. Divide Dough: Remove the dough from the mixer and divide it into two equal parts.
4. Color One Portion: Return one half of the dough to the mixer. Add the food coloring and any desired extra extracts, then mix until the color and flavors are evenly incorporated.
5. Roll Dough Portions: Roll out each portion of the dough between two sheets of wax paper until each measures approximately 11 by 9 inches and is about ¼ inch thick.
6. Chill Dough: Place both rolled dough sheets onto a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
7. Stack and Seal: Remove the wax paper from the top of both dough sheets. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water using a pastry brush, then flip the colored dough onto the vanilla dough, stacking them evenly. Press the edges gently to seal and trim the edges into straight lines using a small knife.
8. Roll Into a Log: Ensure the dough is cold but flexible. Starting from the long side, roll the layered dough into a swirl log, similar to a jelly roll.
9. Add Sprinkles: Spread holiday sprinkles on a large platter. Gently lift the dough log onto the sprinkles and roll it around so the sprinkles stick to the outside.
10. Chill Again: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill for several hours or freeze up to three months.
11. Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into ¼ inch thick cookies. Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown.
12. Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make sure the dough is cold but pliable before rolling to avoid cracking.
• Adjust the amount of food coloring and extracts to customize flavors and colors.
• You can freeze shaped dough logs for up to three months for convenience.
• If dough becomes too soft during rolling, chill briefly to firm it up again.
• Use a sharp knife to slice cookies evenly for a uniform appearance.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day, cookies, swirl cookies, holiday cookies, festive cookies, sprinkles, vanilla, baking