Name: Gryffindor’s Fiery Swirl Butterbeer Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487916H20M45S
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American / Themed
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup cream soda; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red and gold gel food coloring

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies aren’t just beautiful—they’re packed with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nostalgic flavors. The hint of cream soda adds that signature butterbeer sweetness, and the vibrant red and gold swirled icing makes them a showstopper for any Harry Potter celebration. With simple ingredients and a fun decorating process, they’re perfect for bakers of all levels. Plus, chilling the dough ensures soft, thick cookies every time.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup cream soda

For the Butterbeer Icing (Red and Gold):
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and gold gel food coloring

directions

Preparing the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the cream soda, until a soft dough forms.

Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading while baking.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Making the Fiery Swirl Icing

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until light and fluffy.
Divide the icing into two bowls. Tint one with red food coloring and the other with gold.
Spoon both icings into opposite sides of a piping bag for a swirling effect.

Decorating the Cookies

Pipe or spread the red and gold icing onto each cooled cookie in swirling patterns.
Optionally, garnish with edible glitter or sprinkles.
Allow the icing to set before serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Variations

Flavor Boost: Add a splash of butter flavoring or butterscotch extract for a richer butterbeer taste.
Hogwarts House Edition: Swap icing colors to match other houses—green and silver for Slytherin, blue and bronze for Ravenclaw, yellow and black for Hufflepuff.
Festive Toppings: Add star-shaped sprinkles or edible gold dust for an even more magical look.
Mini Cookies: Roll smaller dough balls for bite-sized treats and reduce bake time by 2–3 minutes.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a white or dark chocolate drizzle over the icing for extra flair.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To keep the icing fresh and vibrant, avoid stacking until fully set.
If needed, refrigerate for longer storage and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing the undecorated cookies is possible—thaw and decorate just before serving for best results.
Reheating is not recommended, as it may melt the icing.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What does cream soda do in the cookies?

Cream soda adds sweetness and a subtle butterbeer flavor that enhances the richness of the cookie.

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended for vibrant color without thinning the icing, but liquid food coloring can work in a pinch.

How do I get a perfect swirl effect in the icing?

Place both colors side by side in a piping bag or swirl them gently with a toothpick before applying.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain a soft, thick texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for best flavor and structure, but margarine can work as a substitute in a pinch.

How do I make the icing set faster?

Let the decorated cookies sit uncovered in a cool room or near a fan to speed up the setting time.

What kind of cream soda should I use?

Any store-bought cream soda works, but a natural or buttery-flavored one will enhance the butterbeer taste best.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely—they’re festive, colorful, and keep well for a few days. Perfect for gift boxes or party favors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Conclusion

Gryffindor’s Fiery Swirl Butterbeer Cookies are the ultimate magical treat for any Harry Potter fan. Soft, flavorful, and striking in color, they’re everything you could want in a themed dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a party in the Great Hall or a cozy movie night at home, these cookies deliver the perfect blend of butterbeer sweetness and Gryffindor pride.