Indulge in the sweetness of Valentine's Day with our Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies! Imagine biting into a treat that's not only quick to make but also packed with flavor. These aren't just any cookies; they're a delightful, somewhat healthier way to celebrate, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a guilt-free personal indulgence. Because let's be honest, Valentine's Day is all about spreading love, including a little self-love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Years ago, during a particularly snowy Valentine's Day, my little sister and I decided to surprise our parents with homemade cookies. We swirled together vanilla and strawberry dough, creating colorful Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies that became an instant family tradition. Now, every February, I relive that heartwarming memory by baking these simple, delightful treats!
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1-2 drops red food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
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Prepare Vanilla Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Prepare Strawberry Dough: Repeat the same process as the vanilla dough, but add strawberry extract and red food coloring (if using) along with the egg.
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Chill Dough: Divide each dough in half, flatten each. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Roll & Swirl: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of each dough into a rectangle size of about ¼’’. Place the strawberry dough rectangle on top of the vanilla dough rectangle.
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Roll Into a Log: Starting from one end, tightly roll the doughs together into a log. Wrap the rolled log in parchment paper.
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Chill Again: Chill log for at least 1 hour
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Slice & Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
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Bake: Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between it.
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Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies!
Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Vanilla Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare Strawberry Dough: Repeat the same process as the vanilla dough, but add strawberry extract and red food coloring (if using) along with the egg.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon strawberry extract, 1-2 drops red food coloring
- Chill Dough: Divide each dough in half, flatten each. Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll & Swirl: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of each dough into a rectangle size of about ¼’’. Place the strawberry dough rectangle on top of the vanilla dough rectangle.
- Roll Into a Log: Starting from one end, tightly roll the doughs together into a log. Wrap the rolled log in parchment paper.
- Chill Again: Chill log for at least 1 hour
- Slice & Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick cookies.
- Bake: Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between it.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy your Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies!