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Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies

Valentine's Day Swirl Cookies

Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat featuring vibrant red, chocolate, and vanilla swirls. These cookies combine simple ingredients to create a beautiful design with a perfect texture—crispy edges and a soft center. Ideal for gifting and sharing, they capture the spirit of love in every bite and can be customized to suit various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for adaptation)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan version)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan version)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 56 drops red food coloring (gel-based recommended)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until a soft dough forms.
  2. Divide and Color: Separate the dough into three equal portions. Leave one portion plain, mix cocoa powder into the second portion to create the chocolate dough, and add a few drops of red food coloring to the third portion for a vibrant red dough.
  3. Shape the Swirls: Roll out each dough portion into similarly sized rectangles. Layer the three dough sheets carefully on top of each other, then roll them together tightly to form a log with colorful swirls inside. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
  4. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into evenly thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden.
  5. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh or store for later!

Notes

  • Chill the dough logs before slicing to keep distinct layers and easier cutting.
  • Roll dough sheets evenly for the best swirl effect.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
  • Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden to maintain a soft center.
  • Freeze dough logs before slicing for perfectly shaped cookies anytime.

Nutrition

Keywords: Valentine's Day, swirl cookies, chocolate, red cookies, holiday dessert, gluten-free cookies