Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the festive season with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These scrumptious treats are not only a joy to make but also a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies melt in your mouth and boast a refreshing peppermint flavor, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Each cookie offers a unique soft and tender bite that literally melts away.
• Perfect for any occasion: These cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful cookies.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to get creative with decorations beyond peppermint bits—try sprinkles or chocolate!
• Deliciously sweet frosting: The peppermint frosting adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the cookie experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful peppermint meltaway cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately from wet ones to achieve the perfect dough.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet prevents sticking and allows for even baking.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy on the bottom.

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. Set aside this mixture 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 they are well combined.

Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract

Mix in the peppermint extract. With the mixer set on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough until it is nearly firm, about 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees during the last 15 minutes of chilling time.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop out even tablespoons of dough. Shape each piece into a ball and transfer them to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Keep any unused dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven until the cookies are set and their bottoms are lightly golden brown, which should take about 10–13 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Frosting

In another bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together salted butter, half-and-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 with crushed peppermint bits before the frosting sets. Repeat this process for all cookies.

Step 9: Store Cookies

Store your lovely peppermint meltaway cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with friends or family during this festive season!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie enjoyment.

With Hot Beverages

• Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Peppermint Tea: The refreshing taste of peppermint tea complements the cookies perfectly, enhancing their flavor.

Holiday Cookie Platter

• Mixed Holiday Cookies: Arrange your peppermint meltaway cookies alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies for a festive platter.
• Candy Cane Accents: Use crushed candy canes to garnish your cookie platter for an extra holiday touch.

Gift Giving

• Cookie Jars: Layer these cookies in decorative jars as delightful gifts for friends and family.
• Festive Wrapping: Wrap individual cookies in cellophane with ribbons for a charming presentation at holiday gatherings.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve peppermint meltaway cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combination.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: For the ultimate peppermint experience, pair these cookies with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Achieving the perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is easier than you think! Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the dough firm up, ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends better with sugar, creating a light and fluffy texture in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies and keeps them melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Opt for Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh peppermint extract and ingredients for the best flavor.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden on the bottoms but not overbaked.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

When serving Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, consider pairing them with these delightful side dishes to create a more complete dessert experience!

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like Brie or Gouda, which can balance the sweetness nicely.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies in melted chocolate.
4. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake adds variety and pairs well with both coffee and tea options.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Serve mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like chocolate or vanilla for an appealing dessert spread.
6. Nut Mixes: Offer spiced nut mixes for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with soft meltaway cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure flour and cornstarch properly. Scoop and level for accuracy to avoid dry or overly wet dough.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened but not melted. This creates a creamy texture that contributes to the meltaway effect.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired softness.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be set with lightly golden bottoms; overbaking will ruin their melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Pin this!

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 before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid to gently warm cookies, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies:

Can I use different extracts?

You can substitute peppermint extract with other flavors like vanilla or almond for variety, but it will change the cookie’s signature taste.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or additional all-purpose flour as a substitute if you don’t have cornstarch.

Can I decorate these cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to decorate with chocolate drizzle or colored sprinkles instead of crushed peppermint bits for a unique look.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with refreshing peppermint makes them perfect for holidays or any special occasion. You can customize them with various toppings or flavorings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to bring joy and warmth to your gatherings!