Description
Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes. These festive treats are perfect for the holiday season, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful minty aroma that pairs wonderfully with hot cocoa or holiday teas.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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
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
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract and mix well to infuse the dough with a minty aroma.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing until fully combined into a smooth dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape during baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it into 1-inch balls. Arrange the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Decorate: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. Let the frosting set before serving or gifting.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming and soft dough.
- Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain the shape and texture of the cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- These cookies can also be frozen after baking and frosting for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a little extra extract to the frosting to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaways, Christmas cookies, peppermint frosting, festive sweets
