Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight in the holiday spirit with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These delicious melt-in-your-mouth frosted peppermint cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their unique texture and refreshing flavor make them a standout treat that everyone will love, from family gatherings to cookie exchanges.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies offer a soft, tender bite that simply dissolves in your mouth.
• Festive Flavor: The peppermint extract brings a refreshing taste, making them ideal for holiday celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip these up without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or even as a sweet snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Beautiful Presentation: Frosted and sprinkled with crushed peppermint, they look as good as they taste!

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Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delightful cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy mixture.
• Mixing bowls: A must-have for organizing your ingredients and separating dry from wet components.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for evenly baking your cookies without warping.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Delicious melt-in-your-mouth frosted peppermint cookies! Deliciously sweet and perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups (178g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level)
– 1/2 cup (68g) cornstarch (scoop and level)
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, (softened)
– 1/2 cup (68g) powdered sugar
– 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
– 2 Tbsp (28g) salted butter, (softened)
– 2 Tbsp half and half
– 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
– 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup (42g) finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until well combined.

Step 3: Mix in Flavoring

Add the peppermint extract to the butter mixture. With the mixer set on low speed, slowly incorporate the flour mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until it is nearly firm, about one hour. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit during the last 15 minutes of chilling.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape each piece into a ball and transfer it to an ungreased baking sheet. Space the cookies two inches apart while keeping any unused dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven until set, about 10–13 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In another bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream together salted butter, half-and-half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Cookies

Take one cookie at a time and spread frosting over it. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before the frosting sets. Repeat this process until all cookies are frosted.

Step 9: Store Cookies

Store your frosted Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are perfect for sharing and can be served in a variety of delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

Gift Packaging

• Create festive gift bags with a few cookies inside. Tie them with a ribbon for an enjoyable holiday present.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats like brownies and fudge for a vibrant dessert spread.

Hot Beverage Pairing

• Serve these cookies with hot cocoa or peppermint tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a cozy treat.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station with extra crushed peppermint bits and sprinkles. Allow guests to personalize their cookies for added fun.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

To ensure your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth dough that blends well with powdered sugar for optimal texture.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill makes it easier to shape and prevents spreading during baking.
• Measure accurately: Use the scoop and level method for both flour and cornstarch to ensure precise measurements, leading to the best results.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set but still soft when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
• Frost while warm: Frosting the cookies while they are still slightly warm allows the frosting to melt in beautifully, enhancing flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

When serving Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that elevate their deliciousness. Here are some tasty options:

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate adds warmth and pairs wonderfully with the cool peppermint flavor of the cookies.
2. Eggnog: This creamy holiday classic adds a festive touch that balances the sweetness of your cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table and provide a healthy contrast to the rich cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda alongside nuts and dried fruits for a savory balance.
5. Peppermint Bark: Serve alongside peppermint bark for an extra dose of festive flavor that complements your meltaways.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
7. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal pairing for adults.
8. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea can round out your dessert offerings while keeping things cozy and aromatic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls.

• Using cold butter: Always start with softened butter for the best texture. Cold butter can lead to tough cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading. Don’t rush this process; it helps maintain cookie shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light and melt-in-your-mouth delights.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can result in dry cookies, while underbaking may leave them too soft.
• Not measuring accurately: Use the scoop and level method for flour and cornstarch. Incorrect measurements can affect texture and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to one week when refrigerated.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for optimal softness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes; this gently warms them without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

Can I use different extracts besides peppermint?

Yes, you can experiment with vanilla or almond extract to create unique flavors!

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Are Peppermint Meltaway Cookies suitable for holiday parties?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and add a festive touch.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or extracts to suit your taste. Try making these delightful cookies this holiday season, and share them with friends and family!