Peppermint Meltaways Cookies

Peppermint Meltaways Cookies are the quintessential holiday delight, embodying a delicate texture and a refreshing peppermint flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. Adorned with a creamy peppermint frosting and a dusting of crushed peppermint candies, these cookies not only taste divine but also add a festive touch to any occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• For the Frosting:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons half & half
  • ½ teaspoon real peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes)

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and cornstarch until fully blended.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter, 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, and peppermint extract with a handheld mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. The dough should be thick and uniform. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Bake the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Form Dough Balls: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, roll dough into balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake: Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes until the centers are set and the cookies are pale in color. Avoid browning.
4. Cool: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

1. Prepare Frosting: While cookies cool, beat together 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, half & half, and peppermint extract in a medium bowl with a handheld mixer until smooth and fluffy.

Frost the Cookies:

1. Apply Frosting: Spread 2-3 teaspoons of frosting on each cooled cookie using an offset spatula, leaving edges unfrosted.
2. Add Garnish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosted cookies for a decorative finish.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 10 min | Total Time: 1 hr 20 min | Servings: 21

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Platter: Arrange Peppermint Meltaways Cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats for a beautiful presentation.
• Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with hot tea or coffee to enhance their delicate peppermint flavor.
• Gift Giving: Package these cookies in decorative boxes or jars tied with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Frosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Additional Tips

• Frosting Freshness: If storing frosted cookies, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Reviving Texture: To restore crispness, briefly heat refrigerated cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Peppermint Meltaways Cookies fresh and flavorful, whether serving them at home, giving them as gifts, or preparing ahead for holiday gatherings.

Variations:

1. Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted dark or white chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the chocolate sets.
2. Peppermint Bark Thumbprints: Press a small indentation into each cookie before baking. Once cooled, fill each with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
3. Double Peppermint: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the frosting for an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
4. Citrus Twist: Replace peppermint extract in the cookie dough with orange or lemon extract for a refreshing citrusy twist.
5. Nutty Delight: Fold in ¼ cup of finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
6. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
7. Candy Cane Sandwich Cookies: Spread frosting between two cookies to create a sandwich, then roll the edges in crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
8. Mint Chocolate Chip: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a delightful chocolatey twist.
9. Holiday Colors: Add a few drops of food coloring (red or green) to the frosting for a colorful holiday presentation.
10. Coconut Peppermint: Roll dough balls in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist on a holiday classic.

These variations offer creative ways to customize your Peppermint Meltaways Cookies, ensuring each batch is uniquely delicious and perfectly suited to your taste preferences and holiday celebrations.

FAQs :

1. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.
2. Can I freeze the baked cookies?
   • Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?
   • Chilling the cookie dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading. Also, ensure your baking sheets are cool before placing the dough on them.
4. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
   • It’s recommended to use unsalted butter in baking to control the saltiness of the cookies. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
5. How do I crush peppermint candies or candy canes?
   • Place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or a mallet. Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor until finely crushed.
6. Can I omit the peppermint extract if I prefer a milder peppermint flavor?
   • Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract from both the cookie dough and frosting for a more subtle peppermint taste. Alternatively, you can use vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
7. How do I store unfrosted cookies?
   • Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness.
8. My frosting turned out too thick. How can I thin it out?
   • Add a small amount of half & half (or milk) a teaspoon at a time and mix until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once.
9. Can I use a different type of frosting for these cookies?
   • Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or even a simple vanilla glaze as alternatives to the peppermint frosting for a different flavor profile.
10. How can I make these cookies more festive for other holidays?
    • Customize the toppings by using colored sugars or sprinkles in seasonal colors. You can also add holiday-themed decorations like miniature snowflake candies or edible glitter.

These FAQs should help address common concerns and ensure your Peppermint Meltaways Cookies turn out perfectly delicious every time you bake them for holiday gatherings or as gifts.

Peppermint Meltaways Cookies offer a delightful blend of buttery texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift. With simple steps and minimal ingredients, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings during the festive season. Enjoy the joyous spirit with every melt-in-your-mouth bite of these irresistible treats.