Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the spirit of the holidays, then these Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight are just what you need! These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor that will leave you wanting more. They’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even just a cozy night in with your loved ones.

What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is. You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up, and they make your kitchen smell heavenly! Plus, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this festive delight together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, especially ones that melt in your mouth! Kids can help with shaping and decorating.
• Make-Ahead Delight: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it for baking later—ideal for meal prep!
• Customizable: With simple variations, you can tailor these cookies to suit any taste preference.
• Beautiful Presentation: The finished cookies look stunning on any dessert platter, making them a festive centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Peppermint Meltaways are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Cookies

• 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

For the 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Chocolate: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
• Change the Extract: Swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor twist.
• Decorate Differently: Instead of crushed peppermint candies, try sprinkles or chopped nuts on top of the frosting.
• Make Them Mini: Shape smaller balls of dough to create bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets in the dough, giving your cookies that soft meltaway texture. Don’t forget to beat in the peppermint extract—it adds such a lovely aroma!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your creamed butter mixture. Mixing it slowly helps everything combine evenly without overworking the dough.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover and chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is important because it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking—no one wants flat cookies!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Now, shape your chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. This gives them room to spread as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for about 9-11 minutes or until you see that lovely light brown color on the bottoms. Once done, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step allows them to firm up before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a small bowl, beat together softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar followed by milk and peppermint extract until smooth. If you’re feeling festive, add red food coloring for a pop of color!

Step 7: Decorate

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread that delicious frosting over each one. Finally, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint Meltaways are perfect with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a delightful cup of peppermint-flavored tea. They also shine bright on any holiday dessert platter or make a thoughtful gift when placed in a homemade gift box. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight

Creating the perfect Peppermint Meltaways is a breeze with just a few helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out delightful every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This allows the butter to cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that’s essential for meltaway cookies.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances their melt-in-your-mouth texture. A little patience goes a long way!
• Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so using precise measurements ensures consistent results. Invest in a kitchen scale for best accuracy.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding a hint of vanilla extract or almond extract along with the peppermint for a unique twist. It can elevate the flavor profile to new heights!
• Store properly: Keep your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment—just thaw before serving!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight

Presenting your Peppermint Meltaways beautifully can enhance the festive spirit. Here are some creative serving ideas that will impress your guests and make your dessert table shine!

Garnishes

• Crushed peppermint candies: Sprinkle these on top of each cookie for an extra burst of peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds elegance and richness that balances perfectly with the minty flavor.
• Mini candy canes: Place one on each cookie or use them as decorative picks in your dessert display for those festive vibes.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: This classic pairing warms up any holiday gathering, providing a rich, chocolatey contrast to the refreshing minty cookies.
• Peppermint tea: A calming herbal option, peppermint tea complements the flavors of your meltaways beautifully, creating a cozy experience.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries and oranges offer a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making it an appealing addition to your spread.
• Cheese board: Include some mild cheeses (like cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives) which can provide a nice creamy contrast to the crunchy texture of the meltaways.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make your Peppermint Meltaways not only delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy sharing this festive delight with friends and family during special gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Peppermint Meltaways are not just delightful to eat; they’re also fantastic for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time to enjoy during the holidays or throughout the season. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week, allowing you to savor each cookie over time.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• For best results, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
• If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Meltaways that might help you out!

Can I use different extracts for my Peppermint Meltaways?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or almond extract to create your own unique twist on this festive delight.

How long will my Peppermint Meltaways last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these Peppermint Meltaways can last up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

What makes Peppermint Meltaways such a festive delight?

The combination of buttery texture and refreshing peppermint flavor makes these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings. They’re light yet indulgent, capturing the essence of seasonal treats!

Can I decorate my Peppermint Meltaways differently?

Of course! While crushed peppermint candies make a lovely garnish, feel free to get creative with sprinkles or even drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added flair.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Peppermint Meltaways as I am! They’re not only easy to make but also bring a touch of festive cheer that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy creating these delightful treats in your kitchen, and don’t hesitate to try them out with your own personal touches. Happy baking!