How do I achieve vibrant red and green colors in the dough?

Use gel food coloring for bright, even coloring without altering the dough’s consistency.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be frozen up to one month. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) until just set, about 9-11 minutes, to maintain tender texture.

Adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the plain dough layer boosts its flavor subtly.

Roll dough into rectangles approximately 9x6 inches, chill, then stack plain, red, then green dough before rolling tightly into a log.

Festive, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant red and green swirls, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.

This recipe has become a holiday staple in my family, creating joyful moments as we bake and decorate together.

For the Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For Coloring and Decoration: Red gel food coloring, Green gel food coloring, 1/3 cup (65 g) colored sanding sugar (red and green) optional

Step 1:: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour baking powder and salt Set aside
Step 2:: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 3 minutes)
Step 3:: Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined
Step 4:: Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated
Step 5:: Divide the dough into three equal portions Leave one plain Tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green mixing each until the color is even
Step 6:: Roll each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper into rectangles about 9x6 inches (23x15 cm), to roughly the same size and thickness Chill for 20 minutes
Step 7:: Carefully stack the colored dough rectangles, placing the plain layer on the bottom, followed by red, then green Trim edges to align
Step 8:: Tightly roll up the dough from the long side into a log, peeling away the parchment as you go If desired, roll the log in colored sanding sugar for a festive edge
Step 9:: Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, until firm
Step 10:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
Step 11:: Slice the chilled log into 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) rounds and place on prepared baking sheets spacing 2 inches apart
Step 12:: Bake for 9 11 minutes, until just set but not browned Cool on the sheet for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

Baking these cookies together has become a cherished holiday tradition, filling our home with warmth and laughter.

For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the plain dough Swap colors for other holidays or occasions

Electric mixer Mixing bowls Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Plastic wrap Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter) Colored sugars and food coloring may contain allergens check labels if sensitive

These cookies are perfect for gifting and can be customized with different colors or extracts for any celebration.

→ How do I achieve vibrant red and green colors in the dough?: Use gel food coloring for bright, even coloring without altering the dough’s consistency.
→ Can I prepare the dough in advance?: Yes, the dough can be frozen up to one month. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
→ What baking temperature is recommended?: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until just set, about 9-11 minutes, to maintain tender texture.
→ Is there a way to enhance the flavor?: Adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the plain dough layer boosts its flavor subtly.
→ How should the dough be rolled and layered?: Roll dough into rectangles approximately 9x6 inches, chill, then stack plain, red, then green dough before rolling tightly into a log.