Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Delight your senses with these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! These delicious melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not only sweet but also infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, making them perfect for various occasions like holiday gatherings and festive celebrations. Their unique texture and festive appearance will impress both family and friends, making them a must-have treat for your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies dissolve beautifully in your mouth, giving you an unforgettable experience.
• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, whipping up these cookies is a breeze.
• Perfect for holidays: Their festive flavor makes them suitable for Christmas and other holiday events.
• Customizable toppings: You can easily adjust the frosting or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
• Impressive presentation: The crushed peppermint bits on top add a lovely touch that will wow your guests.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delightful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Plastic wrap
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows you to organize ingredients effectively during preparation.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: This is crucial for cooling cookies 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.

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 fully combined.

Step 3: Add Flavoring

Mix in the peppermint extract. Then, with the mixer set on low speed, slowly add in the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

Step 4: Chill Dough

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

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop out one even tablespoon of dough at a time. Shape it into a ball and transfer it to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing cookies two inches apart. Keep any unbaked dough chilled.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are set and bottoms are lightly golden brown, about 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for at least ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make 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

Working with one cookie at a time, spread frosting over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top before frosting sets. Repeat this process with all cookies.

Step 9: Store

Store your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delightful treats that can be served in various ways to enhance their festive charm. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even more enjoyable.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa creates a cozy winter treat perfect for chilly evenings.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other holiday treats, showcasing their lovely colors and textures.

Gift-Wrapped

• Package individual cookies in cellophane bags or decorative boxes to share with friends and family. They make wonderful homemade gifts!

At Holiday Parties

• Serve these meltaway cookies at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges to impress your guests with their unique flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy these cookies crumbled over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra creamy dessert experience.

How to Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

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

• Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar, which helps create the right texture.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use the scoop and level method for flour and cornstarch to avoid dense cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps keep the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be set but not browned. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

• Add crushed peppermint bits promptly: Sprinkle crushed peppermint immediately after frosting each cookie to ensure it sticks properly before the frosting sets.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Here are some delightful options you can consider serving alongside them.

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy beverage that enhances the peppermint flavor of the cookies.
2. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light and healthy element to your dessert spread.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.
5. Mini Cupcakes: Offer festive mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like chocolate or vanilla for variety.
6. Peppermint Bark: This classic holiday treat echoes the flavors of your meltaway cookies for a cohesive dessert table.
7. Spiced Tea: A warm spiced tea brings comforting flavors that match well with peppermint.
8. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of nuts and dried fruits provides a crunchy texture contrast and adds a nutritious touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the perfect batch.

• Incorrect Measurements: Measuring flour and cornstarch improperly can lead to dry cookies. Always scoop and level your measurements for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is essential for shaping and baking. Don’t rush this step; it helps maintain cookie shape.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven before baking for consistent results.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet prevents them from breaking apart. Be patient and let them set before moving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.

Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding colored sprinkles or using holiday-themed cookie cutters before baking.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! These cookies are delightful even without frosting, allowing their meltaway texture to shine through.

How should I store leftover Frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Rewhip before using again.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. You can customize them with various toppings and flavors, ensuring they suit your taste perfectly. Give this recipe a try, and delight your friends and family with these heavenly treats!