Sweet Holiday Treat

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

These buttery cookies are piped into eye-catching designs, dipped in chocolate if you'd like, and finished with sprinkles. Perfect for festive moments or gatherings!

Hannah Author
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:25:22 GMT
A close-up of colorful cookies topped with sprinkles, partially dipped in smooth chocolate frosting. Pin it
A close-up of colorful cookies topped with sprinkles, partially dipped in smooth chocolate frosting. | recipesbyhannah.com

When I whip up these Buttery Swirl Treats, my home fills with the warmest, richest scent imaginable. There's something magical about how they curl so perfectly and simply dissolve when you take a bite. After I've given them that chocolate bath and tossed on some fun sprinkles, they transform into something downright enchanting—they'll make any ordinary day feel like you're throwing a party.

Why These Treats Stand Out

What I adore about these cookies is their balance between humble and fancy. They've got that mouthwatering buttery taste that makes them totally addictive even plain, but once you add that chocolate coating and colorful sprinkles, they become something next-level amazing. Whenever I need something that looks impressive but doesn't take tons of effort, these are my first choice.

All Your Needed Supplies

  • Unsalted Butter: One full cup brought to room temp for the creamiest results.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just half a cup provides the perfect sweetness.
  • Egg Yolks: Two big ones give that lovely sunshine color.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Two cups properly measured for the right texture.
  • Salt: A quarter teaspoon to heighten every flavor note.
  • Extract: Either vanilla or almond works beautifully here.
  • Milk: Two tablespoons create ideal piping consistency.
  • Chocolate: Pick whatever type you love for dipping.
  • Sprinkles: Because they add that playful touch.

Crafting Your Sweet Treasures

Begin with the foundation:
Beat your butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in those yolks and extract until everything looks smooth.
Put together your mixture:
Gradually add your dry stuff, then pour in just enough milk so you can pipe it.
Get to piping:
Load your pastry bag with that dreamy dough and squeeze out pretty swirls onto your cookie sheet.
Baking time:
Keep an eye on them as they should only have light golden edges when done.
The finishing touches:
After cooling completely, dunk in melted chocolate, scatter your sprinkles, and wait for everything to harden.

My Secret Cookie Tricks

Using ingredients straight from the fridge won't cut it—room temp stuff really does blend better. I always use two piping bags stacked together so they don't burst, and don't stress if your first swirls look weird, just scoop them up and try again. Always let your pans cool down before putting new dough on them.

Storage Smarts

You can keep these treats tasting great for about a week if you store them in something airtight, though the ones with chocolate are best eaten within a couple days. They can also go in the freezer for up to three months if you want. Just let them warm up naturally when you're ready to eat them.

Fun Variations

I sometimes throw in some peppermint extract with crushed candy canes during holiday season, or swap to white chocolate with bright sprinkles for kids' parties. Adding some chopped nuts into the chocolate dip works amazingly too—you can really play around with these.

Cookie Happiness

These butter treats have something truly wonderful about them. Whether you go basic or fancy them up, they always get smiles from everyone. They add that touch of class to whatever you're celebrating, and I can't count how many times people have asked me for the recipe.

A close-up of festive cookies featuring a swirl of yellow dough topped with half-dipped chocolate and colorful sprinkles in red, green, and white. Pin it
A close-up of festive cookies featuring a swirl of yellow dough topped with half-dipped chocolate and colorful sprinkles in red, green, and white. | recipesbyhannah.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How much dough should I use for piping?

Stick with about 1 cup at a time for easier handling. Too much dough can make the bag tricky to manage.

→ Why does the dough get softer as I pipe?

Your hands naturally warm the dough as you work, which helps it pipe more smoothly after a few cookies.

→ Can I fix my design after piping?

Absolutely! Adjust the swirls by hand or roll mistakes back into the bowl to reuse. Keep going until you're happy.

→ How should I store decorated cookies?

Place them in an airtight container and separate layers with wax paper. They'll last 3-4 days with chocolate, or up to a week plain.

→ Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Layer with wax paper if chocolate-dipped, and let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

These cookies feature a light, buttery dough piped into unique shapes. You can enjoy them as is or jazz them up with chocolate and sprinkles, perfect for holidays or any special moment.

Holiday Classic Cookies

Delicate swirled cookies with a buttery flavor. Dipped in chocolate and paired with sprinkles for any celebration.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 32 Servings (32 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/2 cups plain flour.
02 2/3 cup (126g) white sugar.
03 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
04 1 cup (226g) butter, softened.
05 2 teaspoons almond or vanilla essence.
06 3 egg yolks, large.
07 2 tablespoons of milk.
08 Sprinkles to decorate (optional).
09 10 ounces of chocolate disks (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Line your baking sheet with a silicone mat and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Mix sugar and butter until they're nice and creamy.

Step 03

Stir in the egg yolks along with the almond or vanilla flavoring.

Step 04

Add the salt, flour, then the milk. Beat until the dough firms up.

Step 05

Use an Ateco 825 tip to pipe 1 1/2 inch swirls, leaving 2 inches of space between them.

Step 06

Bake one tray at a time for about 9 to 11 minutes.

Step 07

Leave on the tray for a few minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

Step 08

If you like, dip in chocolate and top with sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Don't overload the piping bag.
  2. Piping feels easier as the dough softens.
  3. Fix swirls if they look off.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer.
  • Silicone mat for baking.
  • Piping bag and Ateco tip 825.
  • Cookie sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 109
  • Total Fat: 6.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 11.8 g
  • Protein: 1.4 g