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Benjamin

Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies

These vibrant Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a splash of color and joy to your table. Perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations, these cookies are visually stunning, make-ahead friendly, and kid-approved.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional but highly recommended
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • red or deep pink gel food coloring

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Mixing bowl
  • - Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Plastic Wrap
  • oven

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes and creates the perfect base for a tender cookie.
  2. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
  4. Split the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain (the white/cream layer). Place the other portion back in the mixer.
  5. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to the second portion of dough. Mix until the color is even and vibrant. If you want a deeper red, add one drop at a time until you reach your desired shade.
  6. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is vital so the dough is easy to roll.
  7. On a piece of parchment paper, roll the white dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this with the red dough on a separate sheet. Carefully flip the red dough onto the white dough and peel away the top parchment.
  8. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Use the bottom parchment paper to help you lift and roll it snugly.
  9. Wrap the log in plastic and chill for at least 2 hours. This ensures clean slices and keeps the Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
  10. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Slice the log into 1/4 inch rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set but not browned.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 8g

Notes

To get the cleanest spirals, use a sharp serrated knife or even a piece of flavorless dental floss to 'snap' through the dough log. This prevents the circular shape from being squished down while cutting. If you are looking to expand your holiday repertoire, you might also enjoy my valentines day swirl cookies recipe guide for even more detailed rolling tricks.
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