Around our family table, certain treats aren’t just food; they’re threads in the tapestry of our memories. One such thread is woven with the cool, sweet taste of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. I remember one Christmas, my youngest, Lily, declared these cookies “the official taste of Christmas” with her face dusted in powdered sugar. It was the first year I perfected the recipe, balancing the peppermint perfectly so it wasn’t overpowering, a delicate dance of flavors that made everyone reach for seconds, and sometimes thirds.
These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies aren’t just about the taste; they’re about the laughter shared while decorating them, the anticipation of Christmas morning, and the simple joy of being together. Each year, we tweak the recipe slightly, sometimes adding a hint of vanilla or a dash of extra peppermint, always striving for that perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s a kitchen adventure that brings us closer, creating memories that last longer than the cookies themselves.
For fellow flavor seekers looking to add a touch of magic to their holiday baking, I invite you to try my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a way to create moments of connection and joy in your own home. Let’s embark on this delicious journey together, creating flavors that will become cherished family traditions.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: For the best flavor in your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, I recommend using high-quality butter with a good fat content.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: You’ll find the freshest ingredients for these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies at your local farmer’s market or specialty baking store.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting: This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies proves that authentic flavor comes from thoughtful ingredient choices.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Trust me, this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies ingredient list focuses on quality over quantity for authentic flavors!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: My family loves when I add this extra touch to our Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for these delicate cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: These add a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor. This is the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies flavor secret that transformed our family dinners.
Let’s Create This Together!
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s the perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
- Add the extracts: Beat in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t be surprised if your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies develops a beautifully fragrant aroma at this stage.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Perfect time to appreciate the aromatic transformation!
- Stir in crushed peppermint candies: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies. This adds a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor. Your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies should fill the kitchen with amazing aromas by now.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. In my kitchen, this flavorful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies typically takes around 30 minutes to chill properly.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Here’s where I used to miss a key step with my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies – learn from my experience!
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can also use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be set but still soft in the center. While your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is developing these flavors, take a moment to appreciate creating something special for your family!
- Cool and dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar. This gives them that classic meltaway look.
- Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies!
How We Love to Enjoy This!
In our family, these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of the holiday season. We love to serve them with hot cocoa or peppermint tea, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The family gathers quickly when this aromatic Peppermint Meltaway Cookies appears with a warm cup of cocoa. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and neighbors, spreading the holiday cheer.
These cookies are also a great addition to any holiday dessert platter, adding a pop of color and a refreshing flavor. The combination of the buttery cookie and the cool peppermint is simply irresistible. This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is perfect for those evenings when we want something truly satisfying! Sometimes, we even crumble them over ice cream for a festive dessert topping.
If you have any leftover cookies (which is rare in our house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for holiday gatherings. For more genuine cooking ideas for family meals, explore Halloween Crinkle Cookies. The combination of the peppermint and chocolate in those crinkle cookies is amazing!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Does this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies really satisfy hearty appetites? Absolutely! While they’re delicate and melt-in-your-mouth, the rich butter and satisfying sweetness make them a delightful treat that everyone enjoys. I usually serve them after a light dinner, and they’re always a hit.
- What if someone in my family prefers milder flavors in their Peppermint Meltaway Cookies? You can easily adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your family’s taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more to taste. You can also use a milder peppermint candy for the crushed topping.
- How can I prepare this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies ahead for busy weeks? The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. This flavorful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies reminds me of another family favorite, Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies? While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with using half all-purpose flour and half cake flour for an even more tender cookie. However, I don’t recommend using gluten-free flour without adjusting the recipe.
- What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies? I find that the easiest way is to place the candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder.
- Can I add chocolate to these cookies? Yes! You can add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a chocolate-peppermint twist. The possibilities are endless! This authentic flavor reminds me of the flavors at Delicate peppermint meltaway cookies with a refreshing twist.
- Why are my cookies spreading too much? This can happen if the butter is too soft or if the dough is not chilled enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. If your family loves these authentic flavors, they’ll appreciate Peppermint Meltaway Cookies | Swanky Recipes.
- Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract? Yes, you can omit the peppermint extract for a more subtle peppermint flavor. Just make sure to use peppermint candies in the dough to still get that festive touch.
Final Kitchen Wisdom:
- Quality Butter: Using high-quality butter makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-peppermint twist.
- Vanilla Peppermint: Increase the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.
- Double Peppermint: Use both peppermint extract and peppermint candies for an extra strong peppermint flavor. This reminds me of the Easter treats at Easter dessert: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies recipe.
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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are delicate, buttery, and melt in your mouth. Infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, they’re the perfect holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the cornstarch and peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the cooled cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough.