Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Soft and buttery cookies with a minty flavor, perfect for the holiday season and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
- 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the buttercream frosting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature Adjust for desired consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 drop red or pink food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
- Add confectioners' sugar and mix until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Scoop out portions of the dough, roll them into balls, and flatten each slightly.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets with space in between.
- Bake for about 13-14 minutes until set but not overly browned.
- Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring.
Frosting
- Beat the remaining softened butter until creamy for the frosting.
- Gradually add confectioners' sugar, mixing on low to prevent a sugar cloud.
- Incorporate milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with more sugar or milk if necessary.
Decoration
- Frost cooled cookies using a small spatula or piping bag.
- If using, mix in one drop of food coloring for color.
- Generously sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Serving
- Let cookies set before serving, optionally pair with cocoa, coffee, or tea.
- For gifts, arrange in decorative tins or boxes.
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Notes
Ensure butter is at room temperature. Chill the dough to control cookie spread, and use quality extracts for best flavor. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.