Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

If you adore festive treats that simply melt in your mouth, the Peppermint Meltaways Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This charming cookie combines a buttery, tender base with a refreshingly cool peppermint flavor, making every bite feel like a holiday hug. Perfectly soft and delicately sweet, these meltaway cookies are topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy for that extra pop of festive cheer. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or craving a nostalgic seasonal snack, this Peppermint Meltaways Recipe offers a delightful balance of flavor and texture that feels both special and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, classic ingredients is all it takes to create these enchanting Peppermint Meltaways. Each element plays a key role in building a cookie that is tender, flavorful, and irresistibly festive.

• 1 cup butter, softened: The foundation of the cookie’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: Adds smooth sweetness while helping keep these cookies light and delicate.
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Provides the refreshing, cool kick characteristic of this recipe.
• 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookie structure without making it tough.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: Softens the flour’s bite to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a luscious base for the creamy peppermint frosting.
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk: Adds just enough moisture for silky smooth frosting texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting): Intensifies the festive peppermint flavor in the frosting.
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional): Gives the frosting a cheerful, holiday-inspired pink tint.
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds delightful crunch and classic holiday flair on top.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Step 1: Create the Cookie Dough

Begin by creaming together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this usually takes about three to four minutes. Next, beat in the peppermint extract to infuse your dough with festive flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour and cornstarch together to distribute them evenly. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, being careful not to over-mix; this ensures your cookies stay tender and don’t become tough.

Step 2: Chill the Cookie Dough

Once your dough comes together, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough so it’s easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Use this time to preheat your oven to 350°F for the perfect baking conditions.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

When the dough is chilled and ready, scoop it into 1-inch balls. Using a cookie scoop can help you maintain consistent sizes, which promotes even baking. Arrange the balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Peppermint Frosting

To make the dreamy frosting, beat softened butter until fluffy. Incorporate milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if you want that festive pink hue. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust peppermint strength to your preference. Then, generously spread this frosting atop each cooled cookie, and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a sparkling finishing touch.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on your frosted cookies is a classic way to add texture and a burst of minty flavor, but don’t stop there! You can also experiment with edible glitter, mini red and white sprinkles, or even a delicate drizzle of white chocolate to elevate presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Peppermint Meltaways pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced tea, or your favorite coffee. Their light and buttery texture complements the richness of these drinks, making them perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Peppermint Meltaways on a decorative platter lined with a sprig of fresh greenery or a holiday-themed napkin. Layer them in cellophane bags tied with red and white baker’s twine for charming homemade gifts. You could even stack them between sheets of parchment paper and tie bundles with ribbon for a stunning cookie tower centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (and trust me, that might be wishful thinking), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They typically stay fresh and tender for up to 3 days, making for a perfect quick treat anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either plain or frosted. For best results, freeze the baked cookies without frosting in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving for maximum freshness.

Reheating

To enjoy your Peppermint Meltaways warm, briefly microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might soften too much and lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?

Absolutely, but the cookies will then lose their signature peppermint flavor. If you’re after an alternative taste, vanilla will give sweetness and warmth, but to keep the Peppermint Meltaways Recipe true to form, peppermint extract is the star ingredient.

Is cornstarch necessary in the recipe?

Yes, cornstarch is key to achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Without it, the cookies might turn out too dense or crumbly instead of soft and delicate.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be cautious as texture might vary. You may need to experiment with the ratios or add a binder like xanthan gum for the best results.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place the candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or meat mallet. This method gives you nicely sized pieces perfect for sprinkling atop the frosting without turning into powder.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Definitely! You can mix the dough up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just shape and bake the cookies when you’re ready, making holiday baking even more stress-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Peppermint Meltaways Recipe that makes it a go-to treat for holidays and special occasions. These cookies bring together simplicity, festive flavor, and that tender texture we can’t get enough of. I hope you have as much fun making them as you do sharing them with loved ones, and that they become a beloved staple in your holiday baking traditions.

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