Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a festive holiday treat that truly live up to their name—they melt in your mouth with every bite! These delicate, buttery cookies are infused with a refreshing hint of peppermint and topped with a smooth peppermint glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are tender and delicate, making them irresistible.
- Perfect for holidays: The peppermint flavor and festive decoration make them a great addition to your holiday cookie platter.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the flavor or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Quick to prepare: With straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermint extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- For the glaze: powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and optional food coloring
- Optional: crushed candy canes or sprinkles for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Using a small scoop or your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Do not overbake.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Dip the tops of the cookies into the glaze and garnish with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
- Let the glaze set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vanilla Meltaways: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla extract for a classic flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange or lemon extract instead of peppermint for a fruity variation.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle the finished cookies with melted chocolate.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with white chocolate drizzle, sanding sugar, or edible glitter for unique decorations.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: These cookies don’t require reheating. Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
2. Why is cornstarch used in the recipe?
Cornstarch contributes to the cookies’ tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
4. How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?
Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
5. Can I skip the glaze?
Certainly! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
6. How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place the candy canes in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or mallet.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just ensure you bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
8. Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
9. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a festive twist.
10. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should look set but not browned. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that will impress your friends and family. With their tender texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive appearance, they’re a must-try for the season. Whether you’re baking for a party or as a cozy at-home activity, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holidays. Give them a try and savor the magic of meltaways!
PrintPeppermint Meltaway Cookies
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that dissolve in your mouth, offering a refreshing peppermint flavor—perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (68g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups (178g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (68g) cornstarch
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to handle.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add the milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring (if using), and mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread the frosting over the tops of the cookies.
- Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a more pronounced peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious as it can be quite strong.
- These cookies are delicate; handle them gently, especially when frosting.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.