There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out the joy of baking. One of the standout treats that captures this spirit is Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. With their soft, buttery texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are not just a festive treat but a delightful way to celebrate special moments with family and friends. You’ll find that they are incredibly easy to make and will leave your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of the holidays.
Why We Love This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Here at the heart of this recipe is the classic combination of butter and confectioners’ sugar that creates a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The subtle hint of peppermint not only adds freshness but also evokes memories of cozy winter nights and festive gatherings. What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility — whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a sweet indulgence, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies fit the bill perfectly. They are an easy way to share warmth and love during the holiday season.
Ingredients about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
To create these delightful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Optional: 1 drop red or pink food coloring
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Directions
Creating these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps, which you can follow to achieve that perfect texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Start by taking a large bowl and using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy. Then, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar. Mix this until it’s light and fluffy, which may take 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Flavor: Add the egg yolk, along with the pure vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to over-mix; just blend until combined.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, scoop it into small balls, then flatten them slightly before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure to space each cookie about three inches apart for even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes, or until the edges are set. You want them to remain soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, along with the milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts. Mix until combined; if needed, add more milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them with your peppermint buttercream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive touch. Enjoy!
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are best served on a lovely holiday platter, ideally surrounded by other festive treats. You can be creative with your presentation; consider adding a few sprigs of holiday greenery or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a wintery touch. Pair your cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or even a glass of milk to enhance the experience. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags, making it easy to share the spirit of the season with friends and family.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
To make sure your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies turn out perfectly, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature before starting. This practice helps in achieving a smoother mixture.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookies’ structure and ensuring they don’t spread too much while baking.
- Adjust the Peppermint Flavor: Peppermint extract can vary in strength between brands. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste.
- Frosting Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your buttercream by varying the amount of milk. For a thicker frosting, use less milk; for a thinner frosting, add more until you reach your desired consistency.
- Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
How to Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Storing your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is simple. To keep them fresh, place the cookies in an airtight container, layering them with sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to a week, but if you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds to get that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture back.
Variation of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
One of the beauties of baking is the chance to experiment. Here are a few variations of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies that can take your holiday baking to new heights:
- Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Add in some cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist. These cookies can get decorated with a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate.
- Nutty Peppermint Meltaways: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the dough for an added crunch and flavor.
- Holiday Sprinkles: For a festive look, consider topping your frosted cookies with colorful holiday sprinkles instead of crushed candy canes.
- Different Extracts: Mix it up! You might find that adding a touch of orange or almond extract alongside the peppermint creates a whole new flavor profile that’s just as delicious.
FAQs about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Can I use salted butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the flavors.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it before baking.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes for decoration?
Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. This will give you a mix of fine and coarse pieces that look great as a topping.
Can I replace butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with non-dairy alternatives like vegan margarine, and the cookies will still turn out delightful.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges of the cookies should be set, while the centers look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar For a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature Helps in achieving a smoother mixture.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Adjust according to taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch For texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Omit if using salted butter.
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature Adjust for consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract For flavor.
- 1 drop red or pink food coloring Optional.
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture on low speed until just combined.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Baking
- Scoop the chilled dough into small balls and flatten them slightly on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Frosting and Decorating
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
- Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
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