12/10/2024
๐๐ฌ Peppermint Swirl Shortbread Trees Recipe ๐ฌ๐
These buttery, minty shortbread cookies decorated with festive swirls are the perfect holiday treat to bring cheer to your celebrations!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Cookies:
2 ยผ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
ยฝ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
ยฝ teaspoon peppermint extract
ยฝ teaspoon vanilla extract
ยผ teaspoon salt
For the Swirl Icing:
3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
5โ6 tablespoons water
Red and green gel food coloring
Edible glitter or gold stars (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts until well combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Roll and Cut:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about ยผ inch (6 mm).
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake the cookies for 10โ12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 2: Prepare the Swirl Icing
Make the Icing Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to spread easily.
Color the Icing:
Divide the icing into three bowls. Keep one portion white, tint the second portion red, and the third green using gel food coloring. Mix well until the colors are vibrant.
Step 3: Decorate the Cookies
Base Layer:
Pipe or spread a thin layer of white icing over each cookie, covering the entire surface.
Create the Swirls:
Add small lines or dots of red and green icing on top of the wet white icing.
Use a toothpick or skewer to drag through the colors to create beautiful swirl patterns.
Add Sparkle:
Place a gold star sprinkle at the tip of each tree.
Sprinkle edible glitter lightly over the cookies for a festive sparkle.
Dry:
Allow the decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until the icing is fully set.
Pro Tips:
Perfect Swirls: Use a piping bag for precise lines of red and green icing.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Custom Touches: Try adding crushed candy canes or mini sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
๐ Serve and Enjoy!
These Peppermint Swirl Shortbread Trees are not just delicious but also a visual delight. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or gifting to loved ones! ๐ชโจ