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Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 32 reviews

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These buttery, soft cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a festive, minty treat.

Ingredients

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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

Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
  • 1–1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

  1. Create the cookie dough: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three to four minutes. Beat in the peppermint extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, beating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid tough, dense cookies.
  2. Chill the cookie dough: Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the dough is firm enough to handle. While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  3. Bake the cookies: Once chilled, shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
  4. Make the peppermint frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy using a hand or stand mixer. Add the 2% milk, peppermint extract, and if desired, a few drops of red food coloring. Gradually beat in the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  5. Frost and decorate: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top to finish the festive look and add a crunchy peppermint texture.

Notes

  • Do not overbeat the dough once dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial to make the dough easier to handle and to prevent spreading while baking.
  • Using a cookie scoop helps ensure that all the cookies bake evenly.
  • Red food coloring in the frosting is optional but adds a festive color contrast.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Peppermint cookies, meltaway cookies, peppermint meltaways, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint frosting

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/peppermint-meltaways-recipe/