Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your loved ones how much you care. And what better way to express your affection than with a batch of colorful, delightful Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies? These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. With their lovely swirls of color and festive sprinkles, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Get ready to bake up some love!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5-7 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 150
• Protein: 1.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Fiber: 0.5 grams
• Sugar: 7 grams
• Sodium: 50 mg

Why Make This Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

These Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The classic buttery flavor, combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar and the vibrancy of food coloring, makes these cookies fun to bake and even more fun to eat. Plus, they’re versatile—perfect for a romantic dinner, a gathering of friends, or a festive treat for kids. Decorating these cookies with sprinkles adds an extra element of excitement that embodies the spirit of Valentine’s Day.

How to Make Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

Making these Valentine’s Day cookies is a fun activity, perfect for involving kids or for spending a cozy afternoon at home. Follow the steps below to create delicious swirls of love!

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:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars using the paddle attachment on medium speed until well blended.

• Step 2: Mixing

  Gradually add in the chunks of butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, pour in vanilla extract and continue to mix until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

• Step 3: Coloring the Dough

  Remove the dough from the mixer and divide it into two equal parts. Return one half to the mixer, add your chosen food coloring and any extra extracts you want, and mix until the color is evenly incorporated.

• Step 4: Rolling and Chilling

  Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper until reaching about 11 x 9 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Slide these sheets onto a cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.

• Step 5: Assembling the Dough

  After chilling, peel off the top sheets of wax paper. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water using a pastry brush. Flip the colored dough on top of the vanilla one so they stack evenly. Press the edges together gently with your fingertips to seal.

• Step 6: Rolling the Swirl

  Trim the edges of the dough to ensure they’re straight. Carefully roll the dough into a long log, jelly-roll style. Pour sprinkles onto a platter and gently roll the dough log onto the sprinkles, coating it completely.

• Step 7: Chilling Again

  Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze it for up to three months at this point.

• Step 8: Baking

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown.

• Step 9: Cooling

  Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them by drizzling melted chocolate on top or serving them alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa. Present them in a heart-shaped tin or on a festive tray, perfect for gifting or decorating your Valentine’s Day table.

How to Store Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to one week. If you’ve frozen the dough, allow it to thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

1. Dough Temperature: Ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling; this helps maintain the shape.
2. Keep It Colorful: Experiment with different food coloring shades to make unique swirls.
3. Non-Stick: Use parchment paper to avoid cookies sticking to the baking sheet.
4. Texture Touch-Up: If cookies spread too much while baking, chill the dough for a longer time before slicing.
5. Flavor Variations: Swap vanilla for almond extract for a distinctive flavor twist.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Swirl Cookies: Add cocoa powder to one portion of dough for a chocolate variant.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for an aromatic touch.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or use nut-based extracts for deeper flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for three months. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge before slicing.

• What is the best way to avoid a sticky dough?
  If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while mixing until you achieve a manageable consistency.

• Can I use different sprinkles?
  Absolutely! Use any festive sprinkles that suit your occasion, or even leave them out for a simpler look.

• Is there a gluten-free option?
  Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 replacement.

• What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
  Ensure your dough is sufficiently chilled, and try adding a little extra flour if necessary.

Conclusion

Baking Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate love and friendship. Their beautiful appearance and delightful taste make them the perfect treat for your Valentine’s Day festivities. With easy steps and the freedom to customize, these cookies are sure to become a favorite tradition in your household. So grab your ingredients, get those colored swirls going, and spread the love one cookie at a time! Happy baking!

Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Colorful and delightful swirl cookies perfect for Valentine’s Day, showcasing vibrant swirls and festive sprinkles.

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Ingredients

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• 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 extract
• 1/2 tsp food coloring of your choice
• 1 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles

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Instructions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugars using the paddle attachment on medium speed until well blended.
2. Gradually add in the chunks of butter, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, pour in vanilla extract and continue to mix until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
3. Remove the dough from the mixer and divide it into two equal parts. Return one half to the mixer, add your chosen food coloring and any extra extracts you want, and mix until the color is evenly incorporated.
4. Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper until reaching about 11 x 9 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Slide these sheets onto a cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
5. After chilling, peel off the top sheets of wax paper. Lightly brush the uncolored vanilla dough with water using a pastry brush. Flip the colored dough on top of the vanilla one so they stack evenly. Press the edges together gently with your fingertips to seal.
6. Trim the edges of the dough to ensure they’re straight. Carefully roll the dough into a long log, jelly-roll style. Pour sprinkles onto a platter and gently roll the dough log onto the sprinkles, coating it completely.
7. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze it for up to three months at this point.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freeze dough for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg