Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a refreshing hint of mint. Topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candies, they make a perfect festive treat that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Frosting:
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract for a fresh minty aroma.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter, mixing until just combined.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Step 5: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks and let them cool completely.
6. Step 6: For the frosting, beat softened butter in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using. Mix until smooth.
7. Step 7: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
• Swap cornstarch for potato starch for a slightly different texture.
• Add a few drops of vanilla extract alongside peppermint for a more complex flavor.
• For a festive look, use colored sugar sprinkles instead of crushed candies.

Storage

Store Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for longer freshness, but bring to room temperature before serving. Frosted cookies can be gently reheated in a warm oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes to soften the frosting slightly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and chill the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator until ready to shape and bake.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, vanilla extract can be a mild substitute, but the cookies won’t have the distinctive mint flavor. You might also try almond extract for a different but tasty variation.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

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Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats are topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and garnished with crushed peppermint candies, making them a perfect festive addition to holiday celebrations or cozy winter gatherings.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract and mix well to infuse the cookies with a refreshing mint aroma.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to combine evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until just combined, forming a soft dough.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.
4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and shape it into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
6. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and optional red food coloring, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
7. Decorate: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive garnish. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Chilling the dough is essential to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract slightly but avoid overpowering the delicate butter taste.
• Red food coloring is optional and adds a festive look but can be omitted for a classic white frosting.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or peppermint tea to enhance the minty experience.

Keywords: Peppermint Meltaways, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaway cookies, peppermint frosting, festive desserts, Christmas cookies