Easy Peppermint Meltaways – delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor that will melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply treating yourself to a moment of sweetness, these meltaways are sure to become a seasonal favorite. With their light texture and festive candy cane dusting, they capture the magic of the holidays in every delicious bite. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover the joy of baking these delightful treats together!
Resume of the recipe: Elevate your holiday baking game with our Easy Peppermint Meltaways recipe – a delightful combination of melt-in-your-mouth goodness and festive peppermint flavor that’s guaranteed to spread cheer to all who indulge. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to whip up and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether enjoyed with a steaming mug of cocoa by the fire or shared with loved ones during holiday celebrations, these peppermint meltaways are sure to be a hit. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!
Exciting Story: In the heart of our cozy kitchen, where the scent of peppermint fills the air and twinkling lights cast a warm glow, there’s a sense of anticipation and excitement that can only mean one thing – holiday baking time! It’s in this cherished space that I first discovered the joy of making Easy Peppermint Meltaways – a recipe that has since become a beloved tradition in our home. As I rolled the delicate dough into balls, dipped them in powdered sugar, and baked them to perfection, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of happiness knowing that soon we would be indulging in the irresistible sweetness of these festive treats.
Why This Recipe Rocks:
- Holiday Flavor: With their refreshing peppermint flavor and festive candy cane dusting, our Peppermint Meltaways capture the essence of the season in every bite.
- Buttery Texture: Made with a buttery dough that melts in your mouth, these cookies are light, delicate, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these meltaways are perfect for busy bakers looking to spread holiday cheer without a lot of fuss.
What i need to make Easy Peppermint Meltaways
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Additional powdered sugar, for rolling
How to Make Easy Peppermint Meltaways:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Flavoring: Mix in peppermint extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Form Dough Balls: Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set but not browned.
- Prepare Coating: While the cookies are baking, crush candy canes or peppermint candies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and rolling pin.
- Coat Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in the crushed candy cane mixture until evenly coated.
- Finish with Powdered Sugar: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the peppermint meltaways on a festive platter and serve, or package them up in decorative bags for gifting. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these holiday treats!
Tips For Easy Peppermint Meltaways:
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil in addition to the extract.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can omit the crushed candy canes and simply dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Peppermint Meltaways:
- Substitute almond extract for the peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch.
- Experiment with different types of candy canes or peppermint candies for coating, such as chocolate-covered peppermint candies or striped candy canes.
Make a Healthier Version For Easy Peppermint Meltaways:
- Use a plant-based butter substitute or margarine in place of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute whole wheat flour or almond flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the amount of powdered sugar used for rolling or omit it altogether for a less sweet option.
Closing: Celebrate the season with the irresistible sweetness of our Easy Peppermint Meltaways – a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to spread joy and cheer to all who indulge. With their buttery texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive candy cane dusting, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by the fire with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa. So, embrace the magic of the holidays and bake up a batch of these delightful treats today!
Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Peppermint Meltaways:
Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, you can use peppermint oil in place of peppermint extract for a stronger flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for longer storage. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with baking as usual.
Can I crush the candy canes by hand instead of using a food processor?
Absolutely! You can crush the candy canes by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into fine crumbs.
Can I add food coloring to the dough for a more festive look?
Yes, you can add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough if desired. Just be sure to mix it in evenly until you achieve your desired shade.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time and store them?
Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Peppermint Meltaways
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Peppermint Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Directions
- In the heart of our holiday baking adventure, I discovered the secret to these delicate cookies. Begin by creaming together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, blending until a soft dough forms. Scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into small rounds, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden, and the cookies practically melt in your mouth. While they cool, prepare the peppermint glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.
- The result? Peppermint Meltaways that are as visually enchanting as they are delicious, capturing the spirit of the holidays in every bite.
