A swirl is a decorative pattern made by drizzling or stirring one ingredient, such as a sauce, puree, or melted chocolate, in a circular motion over another component like whipped cream, yogurt, or a baked good.
To execute one, a cook uses a spoon, ladle, or piping bag to apply the topping slowly and steadily, with a light touch so the underlying layer isn't disturbed. Results range from a subtle accent to a bold pattern, such as concentric circles or a marbled effect.
Beyond appearance, a swirl lets two flavors meet at the edges without fully blending. It's used across sweet and savory dishes, from a swirl of cream in soup to a chocolate swirl through cheesecake batter.