Ah, Peppermint Meltaways! Every time I make these delightful, tender little cookies, I’m whisked back to my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. The scent of peppermint intertwining with the warm, buttery aroma would embrace me as I entered, making it impossible to resist snagging one straight from the tray as they cooled. The first bite? A melt-in-your-mouth experience that danced on my taste buds, leaving me eager for more. It’s no wonder these sweet, airy cookies are a beloved tradition in my family. Let me take you along on this cozy adventure of making these delightful morsels. I promise that, just like my family, you’ll fall head over heels for these Peppermint Meltaways!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and no fuss, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Quick Baking: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your home smell heavenly!
- Flavorful Bliss: The bright, refreshing taste of peppermint perfectly balances the rich, buttery flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re a delightful addition to any gathering, sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, cozy gatherings, or a sweet indulgence just because—these meltaways are always a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softening the butter is key here! It helps ensure a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the sugar.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness while keeping the cookies light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show! Make sure you use pure peppermint extract for that refreshing taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cookie dough, giving it structure.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: The secret ingredient! It creates that meltaway texture we all love.
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting: A light dusting at the end makes these cookies even more irresistible and adds that festive touch.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it a few moments to warm up, filling your kitchen with anticipation.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is about making air pockets that add that perfect meltaway texture!
3. Add Salt and Peppermint Extract
Mix in the salt and peppermint extract. Take a moment here to breathe in that lovely peppermint aroma – it’s the holiday spirit in a bottle!
4. Form the Dough
Gradually add the flour and cornstarch, mixing until a soft dough forms. It’ll feel like a dreamy pillow of cookie goodness. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to bring this lovely dough together!
5. Roll into Balls
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size. They don’t need to be perfect; those little irregularities make them charming.
6. Bake
Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you’ll want to catch them right at that perfect moment!
7. Cool and Roll
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the tricky part—patience is a virtue, dear friends! Once slightly cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Oh, the joy!
8. Cool Completely
Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. The suspense makes the first bite even sweeter!
9. Final Dusting
Before serving, dust with a little more powdered sugar for that special touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps and creates a smoother texture for dusting.
- Chill the Dough: If it’s a warm day, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle.
- Uniform Size: Using a cookie scoop ensures even baking and presentation.
- Watch the Oven: Ovens can vary! Keep an eye on your cookies to avoid over-baking.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add a half cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Spice It Up: Toss in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
- Different Extracts: Replace peppermint with vanilla or almond extract for new flavor profiles!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Peppermint Meltaways on a beautiful holiday platter with a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing peppermint tea for a delightful experience. They also make wonderful gifts when placed in a lovely tin!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make the dough ahead of time! Just wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Bake them fresh whenever you’re ready! Once baked, these cookies last up to a week in an airtight container.
Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt!), chop them up and sprinkle them over ice cream for a delightful treat. Perfect for a minty sundae!
Freezing
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! After baking, allow them to cool completely and layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you’ve frozen them, simply bring to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. If you’ve baked them fresh, a few seconds in the microwave will make them cozy and soft again!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but if you do, omit the added salt! Adjust to your taste.
Can I substitute the peppermint extract?
Absolutely! Feel free to use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!
Why are they called “Meltaways”?
Because they quite literally melt in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful taste of holiday cheer!
Final Thoughts
Baking, dear friends, is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s about crafting memories and sharing joy. I hope you bring these Peppermint Meltaways into your home and watch them create smiles just like they do in mine. Gather your loved ones, create a warm atmosphere filled with laughter and sweets, and may every bite remind you of the cozy moments life has to offer. Happy baking!
Let’s make the world a sweeter place, one meltaway at a time. With love, Chef Caroline 💖
Peppermint Meltaways
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Softening the butter is key to ensure a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness while keeping the cookies light and airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavors by balancing the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract Ensure you use pure peppermint extract.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch Creates the meltaway texture.
- to taste optional additional powdered sugar for dusting Adds a festive touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the salt and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add the flour and cornstarch, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
Baking
- Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
- Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Before serving, dust with more powdered sugar for an added touch.