Mom'S Whirly-Twirls(Icebox Cookie)
Mom's Whirly-Twirls are colorful, chocolate and red striped icebox cookies with a delightful swirl pattern, perfect for festive occasions and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; sift into a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and rum extract.
- Gradually sift in dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Divide the dough in half and place each half into a separate small bowl.
- Melt the chocolate and blend it into one half of the dough.
- Tint the other half of the dough with a few drops of red food coloring.
- Roll out each half of dough into a square between two sheets of wax paper. Peel off the top sheets.
- Place the red dough paper side up on top of the chocolate dough.
- Remove the top paper from the red dough.
- Roll up the layered doughs jelly roll fashion, using the bottom paper as a guide.
- Wrap each rolled dough in clean wax paper.
- Chill the wrapped doughs in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Unwrap the dough before baking.
- Slice the dough into 1/8-inch thick slices with a sharp knife.
- Place the slices on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have rum extract, vanilla extract can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. For a festive touch, try adding a hint of peppermint extract instead of rum.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break. For a festive twist, serve alongside a scoop of Strawberry (Chocolate) Mousse Dessert for a colorful dessert platter. Consider offering a small bowl of whipped cream or ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them warm, reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Whirly-Twirls(Icebox Cookie) contains roughly 915 calories, with 13g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 932mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance. After rolling it up, wrap it tightly in wax paper and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing if it becomes too firm.
What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. Alternatively, dust your rolling surface and your hands with a little flour to help manage the stickiness while rolling out the dough.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and flavor to the cookies. Just fold them in after you’ve mixed the dough. You could also consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for additional texture and taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).