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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
As I gather my ingredients for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, a wave of warmth washes over me. The scent of fresh peppermint fills my kitchen, instantly taking me back to my childhood during the holiday season. My grandmother used to bake these every December, filling the house with laughter and love. I remember standing on a little stool, trying to help her mix the dough. We would giggle as flour dusted our noses, and the excitement of decorating each cookie made it feel like magic. Now, every time I make these cookies, I carry on that tradition, creating memories for my own family. Peppermint Meltaway Cookies symbolize not just holiday cheer, but also the special moments spent with loved ones.
Why Make This Recipe
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies bring a festive joy that makes everyone smile. These cookies melt in your mouth, offering a delicate balance of creamy and peppermint flavors that kids and adults adore. As a result, they become an instant favorite during holiday gatherings. You can serve them at parties, or as sweet gifts, or enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa after a long day. Furthermore, they can brighten up any dessert table.
Besides their delightful taste, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are simple to prepare, which saves you time in the kitchen. You do not need any fancy equipment, making it easy for beginners too. In just a short time, you will have a batch of these treats ready to impress your friends and family. Plus, the recipe is very versatile, allowing various toppings or mix-ins to change them according to your taste. With the right ingredients and a loving touch, you will craft memories as sweet as the cookies themselves.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp Peppermint extract
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Butter, unsalted
- 2 tbsp Butter, salted
- 2 tbsp Half and half
- 1/4 cup Peppermint bits or candy canes
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, salted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add in the peppermint extract and half and half, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Fold in the peppermint bits or crushed candy canes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set.
- Allow cookies to cool.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar with a little half and half and peppermint extract until desired consistency is reached. Frost cookies and sprinkle with more crushed candy canes if desired.
- Enjoy your festive treats!
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Serving Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is a delightful experience. Ideally, you want to serve them at room temperature. This way, guests can enjoy their soft texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality. A beautiful way to present them is by placing them on a festive platter, perhaps garnished with some fresh mint leaves for a touch of color.
Engage your guests by offering a warm drink alongside for cozy gatherings. Hot chocolate or spiced tea pairs exceptionally well, enhancing the sweet peppermint flavor. You can also serve these cookies at holiday parties or as dessert for family dinners, ensuring smiles all around. If you’re feeling creative, you can even stack them in a clear jar and tie a ribbon around it for easy gifting.
How to Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Storing your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies correctly keeps them fresh and tasty. Always let the cookies cool completely before storing them. For short-term storage, you can place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about 5-7 days. You can add a piece of parchment paper between layers for extra protection.
If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. To ensure the texture remains soft and creamy, avoid microwaving them; instead, let time work its magic.
Tips to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and gives the cookies a lighter texture. Letting the unsalted butter soften before creaming with sugar will yield the best results.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and cornstarch together eliminates lumps and ensures an even mix. This small step improves the cookie’s texture, making them extra meltaway!
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Do Not Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Experiment with Flavor: You can try different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique flavor twist. However, be mindful not to lose the peppermint essence.
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Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft after mixing, chill it for about 30 minutes. This makes scooping and shaping much easier and can improve the final cookie shape.
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Decorate Creatively: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Rolling the baked cookies in powdered sugar adds sweetness and a lovely powdery finish, making them look more festive.
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Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on the cookies after the 10-minute mark. Baking until just set yields a softer cookie.
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Store Cookies with Bread: To keep your cookies soft, place a slice of bread in the container. The bread keeps moisture, preventing your cookies from becoming hard.
Variation
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Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey twist. Dark chocolate chips can also be folded into the dough, bringing a delightful mix of peppermint and chocolate.
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Fruity Version: Incorporate dried cranberries or small chunks of white chocolate. This addition offers a fruity contrast to the peppermint, perfect for a festive touch.
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Nutty Version: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture. The nuttiness complements the creamy butter flavor well, creating a unique bite.
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Mint Chocolate Chip Version: Use mint chocolate chips instead of peppermint bits for a double mint delight. These chips add a creamy richness that your family will love.
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Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Just ensure the blend has a good binding agent for the right texture.
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Caramel Drizzle Version: Top with a melted caramel drizzle after frosting for an indulgent treat. The caramel adds sweetness and a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
FAQs Of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
How do I make my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies more festive?
You can enhance the festive spirit by using holiday-themed cookie cutters when shaping them. Add colorful sprinkles or a drizzle of white chocolate over the top, and they will become even more special for the holidays.
What’s the best way to freeze Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?
To freeze these cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible for the best preservation.
Can I substitute the peppermint extract?
Yes, you can use other extracts, such as vanilla or almond, if you prefer different flavors. Just keep in mind that replacing peppermint may change the cookie’s primary flavor.
How do I fix crumbly cookie dough?
If your dough feels crumbly, add a tablespoon of half and half or milk. Mix it gently until the dough comes together. Sometimes, the dryness can come from too much flour, so ensure you measure accurately next time.
What happens if I bake the cookies too long?
If baked too long, the cookies can become crispy instead of meltaway. Always check them a minute or two before the estimated baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop even further. You can bake them fresh on the day you plan to serve!
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive peppermint meltaway cookies are light, creamy, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 3/4 tsp Peppermint extract
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Salted butter
- 2 tbsp Half and half
- 1/4 cup Peppermint bits or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, salted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add in the peppermint extract and half and half, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Fold in the peppermint bits or crushed candy canes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set.
- Allow cookies to cool.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar with a little half and half and peppermint extract until the desired consistency is reached. Frost cookies and sprinkle with more crushed candy canes if desired.
Notes
Serve at room temperature for the best taste. Pair with hot chocolate or tea for a festive experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaway cookies, festive treats
