Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the holiday spirit with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These cookies are not only deliciously sweet but also incredibly light, making them perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor, they embody the joy of the season. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts or enjoying them after dinner, these cookies will surely become a favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies have a unique consistency that creates an indulgent experience with every bite.
• Easy to make: Even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with minimal effort and fuss.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday, or just a cozy get-together, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable toppings: You can adjust the amount of crushed peppermint or even experiment with different sprinkles for added flair.
• Make-ahead friendly: These cookies can be made in advance and stored, allowing you to enjoy them fresh whenever you like.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies efficiently, gather your tools beforehand. This will streamline your baking process and help ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer makes it easy to cream butter and sugar thoroughly, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Baking sheet: Using an ungreased baking sheet allows the cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, so having reliable measuring tools is essential.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For the Frosting

• 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. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix 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 and chill until nearly firm—about 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of chilling.

Step 5: Shape Cookies for Baking

Scoop out even tablespoons of dough, shape each into a ball, and transfer them to an ungreased baking sheet. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart while keeping any remaining dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven until cookies are set and bottoms are lightly golden brown—about 10 to 13 minutes. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

In a clean bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together softened butter, half and half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Working with one cookie at a time, spread frosting over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before frosting starts to set. Repeat this process with all cookies.

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy their delightful flavor anytime!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

These delightful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their sweet, minty flavor makes them a hit during the holidays, and serving them can elevate your dessert table.

Enjoy with Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Tea: A cup of peppermint or herbal tea enhances the minty notes in the cookies.

Gift Packaging

• Cookie Jars: Present the cookies in decorative jars tied with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
• Gift Boxes: Arrange several cookies in a festive box for sharing with friends and family.

Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include these meltaway cookies on a platter with other holiday treats for variety.
• Plate Presentation: Stack them neatly and garnish with fresh mint leaves for an appealing display.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Perfecting your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can take your baking to the next level. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough adequately before baking to maintain their shape.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a light and fluffy texture in the cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precise ingredient amounts.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; overbaking can lead to dry texture.
• Add Extra Crushed Peppermint: Don’t hesitate to sprinkle more crushed peppermint on top before serving for added flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, balances out the sweetness beautifully.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for an indulgent experience.
4. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of nuts and dried fruits adds texture and complements the minty flavor.
5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station where guests can top their ice cream with crushed peppermint bits and cookie crumbs.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and crushed cookie pieces for a delicious dessert option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, there are some common pitfalls you might encounter. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Don’t skip this crucial step to maintain their shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender meltaway texture.
• Incorrect measuring of flour: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the scoop and level method for accurate measurements.
• Not allowing cookies to cool properly: Transferring cookies too soon can lead to breakage. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions readers often have about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies:

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for different flavors.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum included.

What can I use instead of crushed peppermint bits?

You can use finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips as an alternative topping.

How do I customize my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

Consider adding crushed nuts or different flavored extracts to create unique variations!

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delightful treats that melt in your mouth, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings easily, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Try making these delicious cookies today!

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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive cheer with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These light and airy cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, they are a delightful treat that will impress friends and family alike. Easy to make and customizable with various toppings, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy them as gifts or at your dessert table, and watch how quickly they disappear!

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Ingredients

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• 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 (for frosting)
• 2 Tbsp half and half
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (for frosting)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup finely crushed peppermint bits

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt; set aside.
2. Cream softened butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in peppermint extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Chill the dough for about an hour.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and shape chilled dough into balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes until lightly golden, then cool on a wire rack.
7. For frosting, cream softened butter, half and half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Frost cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint bits.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg