Chocolate Swirl Cookies

Have you ever looked at those perfectly swirled cookies and wondered how the baker could make something so pretty? Truth is, those cookies aren’t any harder to make than regular cookies, they just take a little more planning. This simple recipe is sure to wow your friends at your next cookie exchange and your family all year around. No need to save this one just for the holidays!

1
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and warm milk. Set aside.
2
In a medium sized bowl whisk together, the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3
In a large bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4
On medium speed, incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing each well before adding the next.
5
Add the vanilla extract, blend well.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Beat until well combined and doughy.
7
Split the dough into two equal portions. Put one half into the bowl you were using for the flour and cocoa mixture. Leave the other half in the bowl you were just using.
8
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
9
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
10
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
11
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
12
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes
13
Add the cocoa mixture to the portion of the dough that remains in the bowl. Mix until the chocolate is fully incorporated, and the dough looks chocolatey. Place the chocolate dough in a freezer bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
14
Preheat the oven to 350°F
15
Slice the log into cookies about a ¼ inch thick.
16
Place on a cookie sheet about an inch apart from each other. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for two minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy!