Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delicious peppermint meltaway cookies are the perfect treat for any holiday occasion! These cookies are incredibly soft, with a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful peppermint flavor. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a festive gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for loved ones.
• Frosted Delight: A creamy frosting topped with crushed peppermint adds an extra special touch.
• Make Ahead: These cookies store well in an airtight container, making them ideal for preparing in advance.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your peppermint meltaway cookies turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy and efficient, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized while preparing the cookie dough and frosting.

Ingredients

Delicious melt-in-your-mouth frosted peppermint cookies! Deliciously sweet and perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups (178g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level)
– 1/2 cup (68g) cornstarch (scoop and level)
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, (softened)
– 1/2 cup (68g) powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
– 2 Tbsp (28g) salted butter, (softened)
– 2 Tbsp half and half
– 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup (42g) finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt thoroughly. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 3: Add Peppermint Flavor

Mix in the peppermint extract. Then, set your mixer on low speed to slowly add in the previously prepared flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough until it is nearly firm—about one hour. During the last fifteen minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape it into a ball and transfer it to an ungreased baking sheet. Space each cookie about two inches apart. Keep any unused dough chilled until ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven until set and lightly golden brown on the bottom—approximately ten to thirteen minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In another bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together salted butter, half-and-half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Each Cookie

Working with one cookie at a time, spread frosting over its surface. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before the frosting sets. Repeat this process with all cookies.

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your delicious peppermint meltaway cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Enjoy!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a few serving suggestions. Whether you want to impress guests or create a festive treat for your family, these ideas will elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair with Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate flavor complements the peppermint, creating a cozy duo.
• Serve with Peppermint Tea: This adds an extra layer of peppermint flavor and warmth during the chilly holidays.
• Enjoy with Coffee: The sweetness of the cookies balances the bitter notes of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.

As Party Favors

• Wrap in Cellophane: Place cookies in festive bags tied with ribbons for a charming gift.
• Include in Gift Baskets: Add cookies alongside other holiday treats for a sweet surprise.

On Holiday Platters

• Create a Cookie Tray: Mix these meltaway cookies with other holiday cookies for a colorful display.
• Serve at Buffets: Perfect for large gatherings, they are easy to grab and enjoy.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

To make your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies truly shine, consider these helpful tips. With just a few adjustments, you can achieve cookie perfection!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened properly; this helps achieve a creamy texture when mixing.
• Chill the Dough Well: Proper chilling prevents spreading and maintains the melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
• Adjust Baking Time: Watch closely as ovens vary; remove cookies when bottoms are lightly golden.
• Add Extra Peppermint Bits: For more flavor, consider mixing some crushed peppermint into the dough.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies make an excellent dessert but can also be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside them:

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
2. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream provides a delightful chill that pairs well with warm beverages.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
4. Cheese Platter: Serve with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix adds texture and pairs beautifully as a snackable side dish.
6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices offer a savory contrast to the sweetness of the meltaways.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Make sure to chill for at least one hour.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are essential for great cookies. Use the scoop and level method for flour and cornstarch.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Using old baking powder or baking soda: Fresh leavening agents are crucial. Check expiration dates before starting your recipe.
• Not adding peppermint bits immediately: If you wait too long to add crushed peppermint on top of the frosting, it won’t stick properly. Sprinkle them right after frosting each cookie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F; warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

Can I use different extracts?

You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract, but this will create a different flavor profile.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for gluten-free Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

What can I use instead of crushed peppermint?

You can replace crushed peppermint with mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a different twist on these cookies.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, and rewhip before use.

Can I decorate these cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with different colored sprinkles or festive holiday decorations!

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize them by adding different extracts or toppings. Try making them this holiday season, and enjoy their melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! Soft and fluffy, these delightful treats have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfectly complemented by a rich peppermint flavor. Adorned with creamy frosting and sprinkled with crushed peppermint, they make an ideal addition to your holiday celebrations, whether for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as charming gifts. Easy to whip up with basic ingredients, these cookies are a must-try this season. Enjoy them alongside your favorite hot beverages or serve them on a festive platter to impress your guests. Get ready to bake these irresistible minty delights!

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/4 cups (178g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (68g) cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (68g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 Tbsp (28g) salted butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp half and half
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (42g) finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
2. In an electric mixer, cream softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Mix in peppermint extract, then gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
4. Chill the dough for 1 hour; preheat oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them apart.
6. Bake for 10-13 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom; cool on a wire rack.
7. For frosting, beat salted butter, half-and-half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Frost cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint bits immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg