Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight Recipe
Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with peppermint extract and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture with a refreshing minty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to infuse a refreshing mint aroma.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture and blend until a dough forms, ensuring even distribution.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This chilling step helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned and the edges set. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat 2 tablespoons softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, and red food coloring if desired. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
- Decorate: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the peppermint frosting evenly over each cookie and immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- If red food coloring is not desired, omit or substitute with natural coloring for a festive touch.
- Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Crushed peppermint candies add texture and enhance the festive look, but can be omitted for a smoother frosting.
Keywords: Peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaway cookies, peppermint frosting, festive desserts, Christmas cookies, buttery cookies
