Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are a festive, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that combines a delicate buttery texture with refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, these cookies are sure to delight your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the frosting:
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract to infuse the mixture with minty aroma.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Step 5: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the bottoms turn lightly browned. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using, mixing until smooth.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let the frosting set before serving or packaging.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few extra drops of peppermint extract, but be careful not to overpower the delicate texture.
• You can substitute crushed candy canes for crushed peppermint candies as a garnish for a different texture and look.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, try replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cornstarch for softness.
• Chilling the dough longer, up to an hour, can help achieve a firmer cookie that holds its shape even better.

Storage

Store Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep the frosting fresh, avoid refrigeration unless your home is warm; if refrigerated, bring cookies to room temperature before serving. They also freeze well—wrap individually and place in a sealed bag for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting or eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own with a light dusting of additional confectioners’ sugar or crushed peppermint for a simpler option.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract isn’t available, you can substitute with a similar amount of vanilla extract or almond extract for a different but tasty twist.

Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight Recipe

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Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with a smooth peppermint frosting and crushed candy garnish. These festive treats melt in your mouth, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 1 minute
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract to infuse the dough with a fresh minty aroma.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, blending until fully combined into a smooth dough.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to prevent spreading together.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly browned. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and if desired, red food coloring. Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
7. Decorate: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting for a festive, crunchy garnish. Let the frosting set before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened for easy creaming and smooth dough texture.
• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading and maintain the cookie shape.
• Use crushed peppermint candies freshly for best texture; avoid soggy garnishes.
• Optional red food coloring adds a festive touch but can be omitted for a natural appearance.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Peppermint Meltaways, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas treats, festive desserts, buttery cookies, peppermint frosting