Festive Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe: Holiday Magic

Festive holiday memories dance around these delightful Christmas butter swirl cookies that spark joy with every sweet, buttery bite.

Delicate spirals of golden dough twist into elegant shapes reminiscent of snowflake patterns.

Soft and crumbly textures melt across your palate, creating instant warmth.

Each cookie carries whispers of vanilla and subtle hints of nostalgic celebration.

Generations of bakers have perfected this simple yet magical recipe passed through loving hands.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly special that connects us to cherished traditions.

You’ll find these treats irresistible and perfect for sharing during magical seasonal moments.

Reasons to Bake Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies This Season

• Bake Festive Delights: These Christmas butter swirl cookies bring holiday magic right to your kitchen with their beautiful two-toned design that looks professionally crafted.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of vanilla and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings and holiday parties.
• Decorative Showstopper: The stunning swirl technique transforms ordinary cookies into elegant treats that look like they came from a gourmet bakery, guaranteed to impress guests and create memorable dessert moments.

Ingredients Needed for Christmas Butter Swirl Cookie Dough

• Butter: A rich and creamy foundation that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, bind the ingredients, and help create a tender cookie.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder: Create the base structure for white and chocolate doughs, giving the cookies their distinct color and taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of other flavors.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking during baking.

Steps for Making Perfect Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and transform butter and powdered sugar into a silky, light mixture by beating for 3-5 minutes.

Once fluffy, introduce egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt, blending until everything harmonizes smoothly.

Step 2: Divide Color Variations

Separate your creamy base into two equal portions.

• All-purpose flour

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder

Mix each portion separately to create distinct color profiles.

Step 3: Shape Tiny Dough Balls

Roll small portions of each dough color into adorable mini spheres, preparing them for magical swirling.

Step 4: Create Festive Swirls

Arrange three balls from each dough color in an alternating flower-like pattern.

Gently press them together, then softly roll into a beautiful marbled design.

Step 5: Prepare For Chilling

Delicately flatten your swirled cookies and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Warm the oven to 325F (160C).

Slide your chilled cookies inside and bake for 13-15 minutes until edges turn a lovely golden brown.

Tips to Achieve Beautiful Cookie Swirls Every Time

• Use room temperature butter for smoother blending and a more consistent cookie texture. Softened butter mixes more easily without overmixing.
• Adjust cocoa powder quantity to make chocolate dough darker or lighter based on your preference. Use high-quality cocoa for richer flavor.
• Longer chilling time helps cookies maintain shape and prevents spreading during baking. Refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before baking.
• Use light touch when rolling and pressing dough balls to maintain distinct swirl patterns. Cold hands work best for shaping.

Fun Ways to Change Up Butter Swirl Cookies

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly cookies.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg yolks, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly treat.
• Nutty Variation: Add finely chopped almonds or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

Festive Serving Ideas for Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies

• Festive Cookie Plate: Arrange these swirled cookies on a decorative holiday platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant Christmas presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts that spread Christmas cheer.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside hot cocoa, espresso, or vanilla bean ice cream to complement the rich chocolate and buttery vanilla flavors of these elegant swirl cookies.
• Cookie Decorating Fun: Let kids help dust cookies with colored sugar or drizzle melted white and dark chocolate on top for a personalized festive touch.

Keeping Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Fresh for Longer

• Store cookies in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

• What are the main flavors in these Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies?

The cookies feature a delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate, creating a beautiful marbled effect with white butter cookie and chocolate dough swirled together.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the cookies in advance. After creating the swirls, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, which can actually help enhance the cookie’s flavor and texture.

• Do I need any special tools to make these cookies?

No special tools are required. You’ll just need basic baking equipment like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and parchment paper. The swirl technique is simple and can be done by hand by alternating and rolling the dough balls.

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

These cookies are relatively easy to make.

Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet holiday magic comes alive with Christmas Butter Swirl Cookies, delicate spirals of buttery richness dancing with festive charm. Delightful cookie moments await when you savor these melt-in-mouth treats perfect for sharing winter joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/4 cup (156 grams) all-purpose flour (for white dough)
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour (for chocolate dough)

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coloring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip butter and powdered sugar for 3-5 minutes until achieving a silky, pale consistency. Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt; blend thoroughly until smooth.
2. Partition the butter mixture into two identical portions. Fold 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour into the white dough, while integrating 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the chocolate dough.
3. Craft diminutive spheres approximately 1/4 teaspoon in size from each type of dough.
4. Construct intricate swirls by arranging three chocolate and white dough balls alternately in a delicate flower pattern. Gently compress the spheres together, then tenderly roll into a graceful spiral formation.
5. Delicately flatten the swirled configurations and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to solidify the dough’s structure.
6. Heat oven to 325F (160C). Position the chilled cookie swirls and bake for 13-15 minutes, monitoring until edges transform to a golden hue.

Notes

• When blending butter and sugar, ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Avoid overworking the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender, delicate results.
• For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurement and texture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 134
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 23 mg