Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the sweetness of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies this holiday season! These frosted cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also perfect for sharing at parties or cozy gatherings. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive peppermint flavor, they bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a holiday cookie exchange, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of buttery goodness and peppermint creates a unique and delightful flavor.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, birthdays, or just because—you can enjoy these cookies anytime!
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a festive box to share with friends and family. They make wonderful homemade gifts.
• Beautiful Presentation: Frosted and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, these cookies look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze. Gather these essentials before you start making your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized while preparing the dough.
• Cookie scoop: Using a scoop ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

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 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 unsalted butter and powdered sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Add Flavoring and Combine

Mix in the peppermint extract. With the mixer set on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough until it is nearly firm, about one hour. During the last 15 minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop out an even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Keep any dough not being baked chilled.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven until the cookies are set and their bottoms are lightly golden brown—this should take about 10 to 13 minutes. Allow them 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 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 Each Cookie

Take one cooled cookie at a time; spread frosting over it immediately after frosting each cookie. Before the frosting starts setting, sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top.

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness. Enjoy!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Serving Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is a delightful experience, especially during the holiday season. These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their delicious flavor and festive appeal.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful contrast.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside a rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Tea: A soothing herbal or peppermint tea complements the cookie’s flavor beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies for a festive dessert table.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as sweet gifts for friends and family.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Party Favors: Offer them as party favors at gatherings, adding a personal touch to your celebrations.
• Potluck Contribution: Bring them along to potlucks for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert option.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Perfecting your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right every time.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough adequately before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh peppermint extract and high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be set but not overly browned for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar.
• Frost Immediately: Frost each cookie right after it cools to ensure the frosting adheres well.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and minty flavors. Consider serving these alongside your cookies.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a bright contrast and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that enhance the cookie’s flavors. Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into chocolate fondue for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Ice Cream: Vanilla or peppermint ice cream creates a delightful dessert combination when paired with these cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries, serving it alongside cookies for a balanced snack option.
6. Nut Medley: Offer a mix of roasted nuts as a crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can be a delightful experience. However, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product.

• Using the wrong flour measurement: Always scoop and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not checking the oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can cause uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer for consistency.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Frosting too early: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures better presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.

Can I substitute butter with margarine?

You can use margarine, but it may affect the flavor and texture slightly. Unsalted butter is preferred for best results.

How do I make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies without peppermint extract?

You can use vanilla extract instead, but the peppermint flavor will be lost. Consider adding crushed peppermint candies for flavor.

Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chunks would pair wonderfully with peppermint. Just fold them into the dough before chilling.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough seems too dry, try adding a teaspoon of milk or half-and-half until it holds together better.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with different extracts or mix-ins to suit your tastes. These cookies capture the essence of holiday cheer and are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!