Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies

These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights with a festive swirl of red and green that’s perfect for the holiday season! Their simple yet irresistible flavor, combined with their colorful appearance, makes them a showstopper on any holiday cookie tray.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Red and green food coloring (gel or liquid)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheets:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until combined.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined.
   • Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. It should be smooth and slightly soft but not sticky.
3. Divide the Dough and Color:
   • Divide the dough into three equal portions.
   • Leave one portion of the dough plain (this will be your base color).
   • Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red color.
   • Add a few drops of green food coloring to the third portion and mix until it turns green.
   • If needed, add a little more food coloring to achieve the desired intensity of color.
4. Roll the Dough:
   • Roll out each color of dough into a long, even log about 10-12 inches in length.
   • Place the three logs of dough side by side, then gently press them together, ensuring the edges are slightly touching.
   • Roll the logs together into one larger log, creating a tri-color swirl effect. Make sure the logs are tightly pressed together to maintain the swirl.
5. Slice and Shape:
   • Carefully slice the dough log into 1/4-inch thick slices.
   • Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
   • You can slightly press the tops of each cookie with a fork or your fingers if you want a more traditional, flat cookie shape.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are delicate and should remain soft.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooled, enjoy these beautiful and buttery Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or cocoa.

Tips for Success:

• Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without affecting the texture of the dough. Liquid food coloring can be used, but you might need to add extra flour if the dough becomes too wet.
• Uniform Slicing: To ensure even and consistent slices, use a sharp knife and slice gently through the dough log. A serrated knife can also work well for this.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

These Christmas Swirl Butter Cookies are not only festive and fun but also deliciously buttery and crisp. They’re the perfect treat to add a little extra holiday cheer to your cookie plate!