Deliciously sweet and perfect for the holidays, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a festive treat that melts in your mouth. These frosted peppermint cookies embody everything wonderful about the holiday season. They are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to be enjoyed at various celebrations, from Christmas parties to cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies have a unique texture that simply melts in your mouth, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Rich Peppermint Flavor: Infused with refreshing peppermint extract and topped with crushed candy canes, these cookies offer a burst of holiday flavor.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in cute boxes or tins for friends and family; they make an excellent homemade gift during the holiday season.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack, or serve them at holiday parties for an impressive addition to your cookie platter.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls helps keep your ingredients organized while allowing you to mix efficiently.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents warping in the oven.
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 Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
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 fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in the peppermint extract. With the mixer set on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill until nearly firm, about one hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of chilling.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape it into a ball and transfer it to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing each cookie about two inches apart. Keep any unused dough chilled while baking.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven until set and lightly golden brown on the bottoms, approximately 10–13 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In another mixing bowl, cream together salted butter, half & half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost Cookies
Working with one cookie at a time, spread frosting over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before frosting sets. Repeat this process for all cookies.
Step 9: Store Cookies
Store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Serving Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can enhance their festive charm. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, making them a delightful treat for family and friends.
With Hot Cocoa
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy vibe. The sweetness of the cookie complements the rich chocolate.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. They make charming gifts that guests will love to take home.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread or fudge. This creates an inviting dessert table.
With Ice Cream
- Serve these meltaway cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The combination is sure to delight!
How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Perfecting your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can ensure they turn out delicious every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve cookie perfection.
- Use room temperature butter: This helps create a light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar, leading to better cookie results.
- Measure flour correctly: Use the scoop and level method to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can ruin the texture.
- Chill the dough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
- Don’t skip the frosting: The frosting adds sweetness and a festive look that enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can enhance their enjoyment. Here are some great options to consider:
- Hot Chocolate Bar
Create a hot chocolate bar with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes. - Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad provides a light contrast to the sweet cookies, balancing flavors beautifully. - Cheese Platter
Offer a selection of cheeses paired with crackers; this savory option complements the sweetness of the cookies. - Eggnog
Serve classic eggnog alongside your cookies for a rich, creamy pairing that celebrates the holiday spirit. - Spiced Tea
A warm spiced tea can enhance the peppermint flavors in your cookies, creating a comforting experience. - Mini Fruit Tarts
These tarts add color and variety to your dessert offering while providing a refreshing burst of flavor alongside the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened before mixing. Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, leading to a dense cookie.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Always chill for at least one hour or until nearly firm.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to maintain a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring accurately: Use the scoop and level method for flour and cornstarch. Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture and doneness of your cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator without losing freshness.
Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months.
- Wrap individual cookie balls in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Place cookies on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Cover a skillet over low heat. Place cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
Can I substitute peppermint extract?
Yes, you can use peppermint oil as a substitute but use it sparingly as it’s much stronger than extract.
How do I make these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies festive?
You can add red and green sprinkles on top of the frosting or use crushed candy canes as decoration for extra holiday cheer.
What if I can’t find cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but this may slightly change the texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with festive peppermint flavor makes them perfect for the holidays. Don’t hesitate to customize them with various toppings or flavors! Try making them today and enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends.
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are known for their unique melt-in-your-mouth texture, bursting with rich peppermint flavor and topped with crunchy candy canes. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as thoughtful homemade gifts, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether enjoyed alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa or elegantly presented on a dessert platter, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to spread joy this season by baking a batch of these irresistible peppermint delights!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 Tbsp salted butter (softened)
- 2 Tbsp half and half
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, cream softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Add peppermint extract; gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Chill dough for one hour; preheat oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes.
- Shape tablespoon-sized balls of dough on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10–13 minutes until set; cool on a wire rack.
- For frosting, cream together salted butter, half & half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light.
- Frost cooled cookies and top with crushed peppermint bits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Ensure butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming. Use the scoop and level method for accurate flour measurement to prevent dense cookies. Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain shape while baking.