Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the festive flavors of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for various occasions, including holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing peppermint taste, they stand out on any dessert table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful cookies that will surely become a seasonal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies have a unique lightness that simply dissolves in your mouth.
• Festive flavor: The refreshing peppermint extract brings a holiday vibe to every bite.
• Easy preparation: This straightforward recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Versatile serving: Great for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or just a cozy night in.
• Beautiful presentation: The frosted finish and crushed peppermint topping make these cookies visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is simple with the right tools. Gather everything you need before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even cooking for the cookies.
• Wire rack: Cooling cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy by allowing air circulation.

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 following ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
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:
Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar

Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Add in:
Peppermint extract

With the mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the reserved flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

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

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape it into a ball and transfer it to an ungreased baking sheet. Space each cookie about two inches apart. Keep any remaining dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven until set and lightly golden on the bottoms, about 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together:
Salted butter
Half and half
Peppermint extract
Powdered sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Each Cookie

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

Step 9: Store Your Cookies

Store your delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy sharing them during this festive season!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The rich chocolate flavor complements the peppermint perfectly.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Peppermint Meltaway Cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This creates an inviting display for guests.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. These make sweet party favors for holiday gatherings, adding a personal touch to your event.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts into the cookie, creating a delicious contrast.

Alongside Holiday Cocktails

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite holiday cocktails. The minty flavor pairs well with drinks like peppermint martinis or festive punches.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

To achieve the perfect batch of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, consider these helpful tips. They ensure that your cookies come out soft, flavorful, and beautifully frosted.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps create a creamy mixture that incorporates air for fluffier cookies.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons properly to ensure you have the right ratios for the best texture and taste.

• Frost When Cool: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

• Add Fresh Peppermint Bits: For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle freshly crushed peppermint bits on top of each frosted cookie immediately after applying the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Complementing your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with side dishes can elevate your dessert table. Here are some delightful options that pair wonderfully.

1. Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing that enhances the peppermint flavor and warms up chilly nights.
2. Coffee: Brewed coffee provides a nice contrast to sweet cookies, making it an excellent choice for adults.
3. Milk: A glass of cold milk is always a great companion to cookies, balancing sweetness with creaminess.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy richness that goes well with the lightness of meltaway cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds color and freshness, providing a healthy balance to your dessert spread.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their meltaway cookies into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience.
7. Spiced Nuts: Offering spiced nuts adds crunch and savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
8. Mini Cupcakes: Include mini cupcakes in flavors like vanilla or chocolate to diversify your dessert offerings at parties or gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoid these mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly!

• Using the wrong flour measurement: Always scoop and level your flour properly. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies.
• Not chilling the dough long enough: Chilling the dough stiffens it, which helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step!
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make cookies tough. Keep it gentle!
• Skipping the frosting step: The frosting adds flavor and moisture. Don’t forget to frost each cookie with care for that delightful finish.
• Ignoring cooling times: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet ensures they set correctly. Be patient before transferring 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.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

How do I make my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies more flavorful?

Adding extra peppermint extract or using high-quality peppermint bits can enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.

Can I substitute butter in Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

Yes! You can use vegan butter or margarine as a substitute if you prefer dairy-free options.

What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet for even pieces.

How do I store leftover Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Can I decorate my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies differently?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, or other toppings that suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive flavor make them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. You can easily customize them with different toppings or extracts, so don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine!