Ah, peppermint meltaway cookies! There’s just something magical about these delicate, buttery treats that makes them a must-have during the holiday season. The way they practically melt in your mouth while bursting with that refreshing peppermint flavor is pure bliss. I remember the first time I baked these with my grandmother. The kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of butter and candy canes, and we could hardly wait for them to cool before devouring a batch together. Now, every year, I whip up a fresh batch to share with family and friends. These cookies not only bring back those cherished memories, but they also add a sprinkle of festive cheer to any gathering. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a holiday favorite!
Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – This adds a lovely sweetness and helps create that meltaway texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Use a good quality extract for the best flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cookie dough.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – These add a delightful crunch and burst of peppermint flavor.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional) – For a touch of creamy sweetness, these are a great addition!
How to Prepare Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Making peppermint meltaway cookies is a delightful process that’s as simple as it is rewarding! Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can enjoy these buttery treats in no time.
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to soften your butter; just leave it out at room temperature for about an hour before you start. Trust me, this makes all the difference when you’re creaming it with the powdered sugar! While that’s happening, grab your peppermint candies and crush them. I like to put them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin for a bit of a workout—just be careful not to pulverize them into dust! You want some nice little chunks for that satisfying crunch.
Mixing and Baking Process
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, add in the salt and peppermint extract, mixing until everything’s well combined. Gradually sift in the flour, mixing just until it’s incorporated. Finally, gently fold in those crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips if you’re using them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes; you’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft and tender.
Cooling and Storing
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key—cooling them on the rack helps maintain that meltaway texture! For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can also freeze them; just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to a month.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for each peppermint meltaway cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These delightful cookies are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a lovely addition to your holiday baking repertoire! Enjoy in moderation, and share the joy of these meltaway wonders with loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for holiday baking sessions.
- Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Infused with refreshing peppermint flavor—truly captures the essence of the season!
- Versatile enough to customize with chocolate or other mix-ins.
- A delightful addition to any cookie platter or holiday dessert spread.
- Perfect for gifting; they look beautiful in a festive tin.
- Great for making ahead of time and freezing for later enjoyment.
Tips for Success
To ensure your peppermint meltaway cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I always keep in mind while baking!
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much, I recommend chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps to maintain that lovely meltaway texture.
- Adjusting Peppermint Flavor: If you’re a peppermint lover like me, feel free to increase the peppermint extract to 1.5 teaspoons for a bolder flavor. Just be cautious; too much can overwhelm the delicate buttery taste!
- Finishing Touches: A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the flavor. Just melt the chocolate and use a fork to create a lovely zigzag pattern.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we definitely want them to melt in your mouth!
- Baking Sheet Choice: I prefer using a light-colored baking sheet for even baking. Dark sheets can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly, leading to unevenly baked cookies.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect peppermint meltaway cookies that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings!
Variations on Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
One of the best things about peppermint meltaway cookies is how versatile they can be! While the classic version is absolutely delightful, here are some fun ideas to customize your cookies and let your creativity shine:
- Chocolate Mint: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor. You can also use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a delicious twist!
- Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add some crunch and depth to the flavor. Nuts pair beautifully with the buttery texture and minty freshness.
- Citrus Zing: For a bright, vibrant flavor, mix in the zest of one orange or lemon. The citrus notes will complement the peppermint and create a refreshing contrast.
- Spiced Peppermint: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor. This is especially lovely during the colder months!
- Holiday Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle some festive holiday-themed sprinkles on top of each cookie. It adds a cheerful pop of color and is perfect for holiday parties!
- Different Extracts: Experiment with other extracts such as almond or vanilla to switch up the flavor profile. Just remember to keep the peppermint extract as the star of the show!
Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own! The kitchen is your playground, so don’t be afraid to try new things and make these cookies uniquely yours. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your peppermint meltaway cookies, there are so many delightful ways to showcase these festive treats! Here are some of my favorite ideas that will elevate your cookie experience:
- Pair with Hot Cocoa: Nothing beats the classic combination of peppermint meltaway cookies and a steaming cup of hot cocoa! The rich chocolatey warmth complements the refreshing mint perfectly. You could even add a splash of peppermint schnapps to your cocoa for an adult twist!
- Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange your cookies on a beautiful platter with other holiday treats like fudge, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or gingerbread men. This colorful display will surely impress your guests and bring a festive vibe to any gathering.
- Gift-Worthy Treats: Package your cookies in a charming tin or decorative box with a festive ribbon. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends, family, or neighbors, spreading joy and holiday spirit!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich! Choose a peppermint or vanilla ice cream to enhance the minty flavor, and roll the edges in crushed peppermint candies for extra crunch.
- Decorative Touch: Dust the cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a more elegant presentation. This little touch will make them look as special as they taste!
- Holiday Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie bar at your next holiday party! Include your peppermint meltaway cookies alongside other favorites and provide toppings like whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles for guests to customize their treats!
However you choose to serve them, these peppermint meltaway cookies will undoubtedly be a hit. Their delicate texture and festive flavor make them a delightful addition to any holiday celebration!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, plus a smaller one for any additional ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar a breeze, giving you that light and fluffy texture.
- Sifter: A fine-mesh sieve or sifter is essential for incorporating the flour smoothly into the dough.
- Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly.
- Baking Sheets: A couple of light-colored baking sheets lined with parchment paper will work best for preventing over-browning.
- Wire Rack: A cooling rack is crucial for letting those cookies cool properly, helping to maintain their meltaway texture.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store my peppermint meltaway cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good for up to a month.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes! If you’re looking to make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based butter. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can use other extracts like vanilla or almond, but the flavor will be different. Alternatively, you can crush more peppermint candies to enhance the peppermint flavor in your cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers still look a bit soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little underbaked right out of the oven!
Can I add other mix-ins or flavors?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a bit of citrus zest for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in check so the peppermint shines through!
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies: 5 Simple Steps for Success
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint meltaway cookies are delicate, buttery treats infused with peppermint flavor, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the salt and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips, if using.
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract to 1.5 teaspoons.
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peppermint meltaway cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, butter cookies
