Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the festive spirit with these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These cookies are a holiday favorite, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet peppermint flavor. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter parties, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these treats will elevate any occasion. Their soft consistency and frosted finish make them a standout choice for cookie trays and gifts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip these cookies up in no time.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness with refreshing peppermint makes these cookies irresistible.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends and family or bring them to holiday parties.
• Customizable Frosting: The frosting can be adapted with different extracts or toppings to suit your taste.
• Great for Any Occasion: While ideal for the holidays, these cookies are delightful year-round!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking of your cookies.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cookies so they cool evenly without getting soggy.

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 the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract

Mix in the peppermint extract. Then, set your mixer on low speed and gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator until nearly firm—about one hour. During the last fifteen minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape each scoop into a ball, then transfer them onto an ungreased baking sheet spaced two inches apart. Keep any dough that won’t be baking chilled.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven until set and lightly golden on the bottoms—about ten to thirteen minutes. Let them 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 bowl of your stand mixer, cream together salted butter, half and half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Each Cookie

Once cooled, take one cookie at a time and spread frosting over its surface. Immediately after frosting each cookie, sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before the frosting sets. Repeat this process with all cookies.

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delightful on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these festive cookies.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair your cookies with a warm mug of rich hot chocolate. The creamy cocoa will complement the peppermint flavor beautifully.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies on a festive platter along with other holiday treats. This makes for an appealing dessert table centerpiece.

As a Gift

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins and gift them to friends and family. They make a thoughtful holiday present.

With Ice Cream

• Serve your cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The cold treat adds a fun contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookies.

At Holiday Parties

• Bring these cookies to holiday gatherings. They are sure to be a hit and can spark conversations about favorite holiday treats.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

To ensure your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugar, creating a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Chill the dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain their shape and melt-in-your-mouth quality.

• Measure accurately: Use the scoop and level method for flour and cornstarch. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of tender meltaways.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that enhance their sweet flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich cookies.

2. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory balance alongside your sweet treats.

3. Chocolates
   Offer an assortment of chocolates, including dark and milk varieties, which pair nicely with peppermint.

4. Coffee or Tea
   Brewed coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing their flavor profile.

5. Nut Mix
   A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and savory notes, making for an interesting textural contrast.

6. Mini Cupcakes
   Small cupcakes in complementary flavors like chocolate or vanilla can round out your dessert spread wonderfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter can prevent the cookies from achieving a light and fluffy texture. Always use softened butter for better mixing.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the bottoms are lightly golden.
• Incorrect measurements: Using too much flour or cornstarch can alter the texture. Always measure accurately by scooping and leveling your ingredients.
• Skipping peppermint bits: Forgetting to add crushed peppermint candy can leave your cookies lacking flavor. Be sure to sprinkle them on right after frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
• Layer with parchment paper between cookies for best results.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies that may help you during your baking journey.

Can I make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.

How do I enhance the peppermint flavor?

Add extra peppermint extract to both the cookie dough and frosting for a more intense flavor.

Can I use different types of candy?

Absolutely! You can substitute crushed peppermint with other candies like chocolate chips or crushed nuts if desired.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep leftover Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.

What occasions are best for serving these cookies?

These delightful cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, and cozy family gatherings, bringing joy and warmth wherever they go.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are truly irresistible! Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful peppermint flavor make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding different extracts or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth it brings to your home!