Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them!

Name: Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies: 5 Reasons You'll Love Them!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups white sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup food coloring (various colors); 1/2 cup sprinkles (optional)

May 31, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up in the kitchen—Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies! These delightful cookies are like little bursts of joy, bringing color and happiness to any baking session. I remember the first time I made these with my niece; we laughed, mixed, and twirled the colors together, and oh, what a sight they were! It felt like we were creating a galaxy right on our baking sheets.

Every time I bake these cookies, I can’t help but smile at how easy and fun they are. You can truly make them your own by mixing in different colors and even a sprinkle of fun toppings. The best part? They taste as wonderful as they look! They’re soft, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get the whole family involved—kids love rolling the dough into swirls! So grab your apron, and let’s jump into this colorful adventure together. I promise you’ll love every moment of making and sharing these cookies!

Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to your Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies, and I promise it’s worth it! Here’s everything you’ll need:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cookies. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps our cookies rise a bit, giving them that lovely texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Just a little extra lift to make our cookies perfectly soft.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. This is essential for creaming with sugar!
1 1/2 cups white sugar: This sweetens our cookies beautifully. I love the way it makes the dough glisten!
1 egg: The binding agent that holds everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature too.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s essential!
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): If you enjoy a hint of nuttiness, go ahead and add this. It complements the sweetness perfectly.
1/4 cup food coloring (various colors): Get creative with your favorite colors! You can adjust the amount based on how vibrant you want your cookies to be.
1/2 cup sprinkles (optional): These are for fun! If you like a little extra sparkle, toss some in before baking.

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients so you can easily mix them together. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies

Now that we’ve gathered all our colorful ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing our Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies! I’ll walk you through each step so you feel confident and excited as we go along!

Preheat Your Oven

First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our cookies bake evenly and thoroughly. No one likes a cookie that’s gooey in the middle, right? So set your oven and let it warm up while we prepare the dough.

Prepare the Dough

Next, grab your mixing bowls because we’re going to start with the dry ingredients. In one bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This little mix is what gives our cookies that delightful rise!

Now, in a separate, larger bowl, we’re going to cream together our 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is such an important step! I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can absolutely do it by hand with a sturdy wooden spoon. Just beat it until it looks like fluffy clouds—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick.

Once it’s creamy and dreamy, beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, that 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that makes your cookies sing!

Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing until just combined. You want to be careful not to overmix; just a few gentle stirs and you’re good to go!

Color the Dough

Now for the fun part—coloring the dough! Divide your dough into portions based on how many colors you want to use. I usually stick with three colors for a nice galaxy effect. Add a few drops of your chosen food coloring to each portion and knead it gently until the color is evenly distributed. It’s like magic! Don’t be afraid to get creative here; mix colors to create beautiful shades!

To achieve that stunning swirl effect, take small pieces of each colored dough and roll them together gently. Twist them into a log shape, then gently roll it out to make it long and thin. You can also just use your hands to create a spiral. Just remember, the more you twist, the more mixed it will become!

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Once your dough is all swirled up, it’s time to shape those cookies! Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between each cookie—about 2 inches apart is perfect so they have room to spread.

Now it’s time to pop them in the oven! Bake your cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. I like to take them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain that soft, chewy texture we love!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! First, remember to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture, which we definitely don’t want!

Also, be gentle when mixing the dough. Overmixing can create tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and chewy. When coloring the dough, feel free to use as much or as little food coloring as you like—just remember, a little goes a long way!

For storing your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long! If you want to enjoy them later, freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, slice off what you need and bake them fresh!

Feeling adventurous? You can add in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to make these cookies your own. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new twist to this delightful recipe!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for our Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies. These delightful treats are not only colorful and fun but also have some nutritional aspects to consider! Here’s what you can expect for each cookie, based on typical values for the ingredients used:

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the brands of ingredients you use and any substitutions you might make. If you adjust the recipe—like using gluten-free flour or making it vegan—this will also affect the nutritional content. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your specific ingredients for the most accurate information.

FAQ Section

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included, as it helps mimic the texture of regular flour. I’ve had great success with brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency since gluten-free flour can behave differently!

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Making these cookies vegan is quite simple! Swap out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or any vegan butter alternative. You can also replace the egg with a flax egg—just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will bind the ingredients just like an egg!

What is the best way to store cookies?

For optimal freshness, store your Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy them at a later date without sacrificing taste or texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll feel confident whipping these cookies up!
Colorful and Fun: The vibrant swirls of color make these cookies a feast for the eyes. They’re sure to bring smiles to anyone who sees (and tastes) them!
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a fun afternoon treat, these cookies add that special touch to any occasion.
Family-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the baking process! Rolling, swirling, and decorating make for wonderful bonding moments.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different colors, flavors, and mix-ins. Each batch can be a unique creation that reflects your style!

Serving Suggestions

These Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience! I love serving them in a few special ways that really enhance their colorful charm and deliciousness. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

With a Warm Beverage: There’s nothing quite like pairing these cookies with a cozy cup of tea or hot chocolate. The warmth of the drink complements the soft, chewy texture of the cookies beautifully, making for a comforting afternoon snack.
As Part of a Dessert Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other sweets, like brownies or mini cupcakes. Their vibrant colors will make the platter a centerpiece at any gathering, perfect for birthdays or holiday parties!
With Ice Cream: For a fun twist, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top. It creates a delightful cookie sundae that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Gift Them: Package a dozen of these cookies in a decorated box or tin as a sweet gift for friends or neighbors. Everyone loves a homemade treat, and these cookies are sure to bring smiles!
During Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sunny afternoon, these cookies add a splash of color and joy to any occasion. Don’t hesitate to bring them to potlucks or family gatherings—they’re always a hit!

Whichever way you choose to serve them, I promise these Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies will bring warmth and happiness to your table. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Call to Action

Now that you’ve made your own batch of Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies, I’d love to hear all about your baking adventure! Did you experiment with colors or add your own twist to the recipe? Please share your experiences in the comments below. I’m always thrilled to see how everyone personalizes their cookies!

If you enjoyed making these cookies, consider rating the recipe too. Your feedback helps fellow bakers find this delightful treat and brings a smile to my face as well! Baking is all about sharing joy and creativity, and I can’t wait to read your stories. So roll up your sleeves, get those sprinkles ready, and let’s keep this colorful baking journey going together!

Galaxy Swirl Sugar Cookies - detail 2

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.