Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies: A Sweet Treat for Your Loved Ones

Valentine Day is a time to celebrate love, friendship, and all things sweet. What better way to do so than with a batch of delightful Valentine Day Swirl Cookies? These beautiful, pinwheel-like cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Their vibrant colors, charming swirl design, and festive sprinkles make them perfect for any Valentine’s celebration, whether you’re sharing them with a special someone or giving them as gifts to neighbors, friends, or family.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to bake these irresistible cookies, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Valentine Day Swirl Cookies

Valentine Day Swirl Cookies offer the perfect combination of fun, festive design and delicious flavor. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Vibrant and Beautiful Design: The pinwheel swirl pattern and the colorful sprinkles give these cookies a joyful, celebratory look. They’re perfect for brightening up any occasion!
2. Simple and Fun to Make: Don’t be intimidated by their fancy appearance—these cookies are easy to make. You’ll create two layers of dough, stack them, roll them into a log, and then slice them. The process is straightforward and rewarding, even for beginner bakers.
3. Versatile and Customizable: While we’ve made these cookies with Valentine’s Day colors and sprinkles, this recipe can be adapted for any occasion. Change up the food coloring and sprinkles to make them suitable for birthdays, Christmas, or any special event!
4. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful homemade gifts. Pack them in cute treat boxes, and you’ll have a thoughtful, heartfelt gift that everyone will love.

So, whether you’re preparing a Valentine’s Day treat for yourself, a loved one, or a group of friends, these swirl cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients of Valentine Day Swirl Cookies

Before you begin, make sure you have all of the ingredients on hand. This simple yet flavorful cookie recipe calls for:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Flour 🌾 – The base of the dough, providing structure.
• Baking Powder 🧁 – Helps the dough rise and become soft.
• Salt 🧂 – Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Powdered Sugar 🍬 – Adds sweetness and helps achieve a smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar 🍚 – Provides a slight crunch and balance to the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter 🧈 (cut in chunks) – Creates a rich, buttery flavor.
• Vanilla Extract 🍦 – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Red Food Coloring 🍓 – To give the dough a lovely red hue for Valentine’s Day.
• Valentine’s Day Colored Sprinkles 🌈 – For a fun and festive finishing touch.

Necessary Tools for Valentine Day Swirl Cookies

To make these Valentine Day Swirl Cookies, you’ll need the following tools:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – For mixing the dough smoothly.
• Rolling Pin – To roll out the dough evenly.
• Wax Paper – To prevent the dough from sticking while rolling.
• Baking Sheets – For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheets and ensure easy removal.
• Plastic Wrap – For chilling the dough before slicing.
• Pastry Brush – To apply water for sealing the dough layers.
• Knife – To trim the dough and shape it into even layers.
• Sprinkle Platter – For rolling the dough log in sprinkles.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to make some substitutions or add new flavors based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Food Coloring Variations: Switch up the colors of the food coloring depending on the occasion. You can use pink, purple, or even blue for different celebrations.
• Sprinkle Alternatives: Try using different colored sprinkles or nonpareils. You could also use edible glitter or crushed candies for a unique twist.
• Flavor Options: If you want a twist on the classic vanilla flavor, swap out the vanilla extract for almond or mint extract for an aromatic surprise.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative (like coconut oil or dairy-free margarine) to make this recipe dairy-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these Valentine Day Swirl Cookies. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results!

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Use the paddle attachment to mix the dry ingredients on medium speed until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Butter and Vanilla

Then add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. After that, continue mixing until the dough starts to come together and forms a soft, smooth ball.

Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough

After that, remove the dough from the mixer and divide it into two equal portions. Return one portion back into the mixer and add red food coloring. Mix until the dough turns an even red color.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Place the two portions of dough between two sheets of wax paper. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a flat sheet approximately 11×9 inches in size and ¼ inch thick. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to firm up.

Step 5: Stack the Dough Layers

After chilling, remove the wax paper from both dough layers. Brush the vanilla dough lightly with water using a pastry brush. Then, flip the red dough on top of the vanilla dough, ensuring the layers align perfectly. Press the edges lightly with your fingertips to seal them together. Trim the edges to make straight, even lines.

Step 6: Create the Swirl Design

Once the dough is firm but still flexible, carefully roll it up like a jelly roll, starting from one long edge. You should have a colorful dough log with the red and vanilla layers forming a beautiful swirl pattern.

Step 7: Roll in Sprinkles

Then, pour Valentine’s Day sprinkles onto a large platter. After that, gently lift the dough log and roll it in the sprinkles, pressing lightly to coat it completely. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for several hours or freeze it for up to three months.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Thereafter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Finally, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough Well: Make sure the dough is chilled before you begin rolling it up. This will prevent the layers from blending together and keep the pinwheel pattern sharp.
• Even Rolling: Roll out the dough evenly to ensure the swirls are consistent and beautiful. If the dough is too sticky, dust the surface lightly with flour.
• Sprinkle Pressing: When rolling the dough in sprinkles, press gently to ensure the sprinkles stick but don’t crush the dough.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies carefully while baking. They’re ready when the edges start to turn golden but the centers should remain soft.

Serving Suggestions

These Valentine Day Swirl Cookies are perfect on their own, but you can make them even more special with a few creative touches:

• Gift Wrapping: Package these cookies in a cute treat box with a Valentine’s Day tag for a thoughtful gift.
• Pair with a Drink: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
• Cookie Platter: Add these colorful cookies to a Valentine’s Day cookie platter, alongside other sweet treats like heart-shaped sugar cookies or chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will stay fresh and soft for several days.

Freezing: If you have extra dough, freeze it before slicing. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information of Valentine Day Swirl Cookies

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. How do I avoid the dough becoming too sticky? If the dough becomes sticky, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
3. Can I use different colors for the dough? Absolutely! Change the food coloring to match any theme or holiday.
4. Do I need to chill the dough before baking? Yes, chilling the dough helps maintain its structure and prevents spreading during baking.
5. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if desired.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Swirl Cookies are a fun and festive treat that adds a pop of color and flavor to your celebrations. With their easy preparation and customizable design, these cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with loved ones. Whether you’re making them for a party, a school event, or just for yourself, these colorful cookies will always bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and enjoy celebrating love with these delicious swirls!

Valentine Day Swirl Cookies

Celebrate Valentine Day with these colorful and festive swirl cookies. With their vibrant red dough and playful pinwheel design, these cookies are perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying with loved ones. Easy to make and delightful to eat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 29 minutes mins

Servings: 24 Cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 tsp baking powder 🧁
• ¼ tsp salt 🧂
• 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
• ½ cup granulated sugar 🍚
• 1 cup unsalted butter cut into chunks 🧈
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
• Red food coloring 🍓
• Valentine’s Day colored sprinkles 🎉

Equipment

• Stand mixer 🎶
• Rolling pin 🪵
• Wax paper 📜
• Baking sheet 🍪
• Parchment paper 🧻
• Knife 🔪
• Plastic wrap 🌟
• Wire rack 🧑‍🍳

Method

 

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix on medium until well blended.
2. Add Butter: Gradually add the butter to the dry ingredients and continue mixing. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing until the dough forms a ball.
3. Divide Dough: Remove the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Return one portion to the mixer and add red food coloring. Mix until the dough is completely red.
4. Roll Out Dough: Roll out each portion of dough between two sheets of wax paper to about 11 x 9 inches and ¼ inch thick. Chill both dough layers in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
5. Combine Dough Layers: After chilling, remove the wax paper from the dough layers. Brush the uncolored dough lightly with water and stack the colored dough on top. Press the edges lightly to seal.
6. Create Swirl: Roll the dough up jelly-roll style from the long side, then gently roll it in colored sprinkles. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
7. Slice and Bake: Slice dough into ¼-inch slices and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

If dough is too wet after adding food coloring, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out to avoid sticking.
You can swap the vanilla extract with mint or almond extract for a different flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!