Peppermint Meltaway Cookies: Easy Holiday Treats
The holidays are a time for indulgence. What better way to celebrate than with peppermint cookies? These cookies are soft, buttery, and full of festive flavors. They mix peppermint and vanilla in a shortbread-like texture.
As you eat them, the peppermint flavor refreshes your tongue. It feels like a winter wonderland of holiday cheer.
Key Takeaways
- Peppermint meltaway cookies feature a soft, shortbread-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- These festive cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup, combining peppermint and vanilla flavors.
- The unique melt-in-your-mouth quality is achieved through key ingredients like powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Peppermint meltaways are often topped with a peppermint-flavored buttercream frosting and crushed candy canes.
- These easy-to-make cookies can be stored for up to 3 days on the counter or 3 months in the freezer.
What Makes Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Special
Peppermint meltaway cookies are a holiday favorite. They are loved by bakers and dessert fans. Their special texture is a mix of shortbread and cake.
The secret to their softness is the ingredients. They use a lot of butter, confectioners’ sugar, and cornstarch.
The Science Behind the Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
The dough’s mix of confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch makes them tender. The sugar makes the inside soft and creamy. The cornstarch keeps the cookie crumbly.
This mix makes the cookie melt on your tongue. It’s a winter dessert you can’t resist.
Holiday Baking Tradition History
Peppermint meltaway cookies are a holiday tradition. They remind us of classic after-dinner butter mints. These cookies bring back cozy winter feelings.
They are perfect for any easy cookie recipes or festive treats collection.
Why These Cookies Stand Out
Peppermint meltaway cookies are special for their soft, buttery, and sweet taste. They have a refreshing peppermint flavor that’s perfect for winter.
These winter desserts are great homemade gifts. They make everyone happy.
“These cookies are absolute perfection – they melt in your mouth and the peppermint flavor is so festive and refreshing. I’ve made them for the past three Christmases and they’re always a huge hit!”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Meltaway Cookies
Making the perfect peppermint meltaway cookies is about knowing the right ingredients. These mint chocolate delights need butter, confectioners’ sugar, egg yolk, flour, and cornstarch. Together, they create a simple yet tasty mix.
Key Base Ingredients and Their Roles
The cookies’ rich taste comes from unsalted butter. Confectioners’ sugar and cornstarch make them melt in your mouth. An egg yolk adds richness and holds the dough together.
Peppermint Flavoring Options
For that candy cane flavor, you can pick between peppermint extract or emulsion. Extract gives a strong taste, while emulsion offers a milder, more balanced mint flavor.
Special Additions for Holiday Flair
To make these buttery shortbread treats special for holidays, add festive touches. Crushed candy canes, chopped Andes mints, or sprinkles add color and texture.
With the right ingredients and a few extra touches, your peppermint meltaway cookies will impress holiday guests. They’ll become a beloved tradition in your home.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Making peppermint meltaway cookies is fun and rewarding, perfect for the holiday baking season. To make these festive christmas cookies, just follow these easy steps:
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and the sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Lightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand.
- Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, until the bottoms are light brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The short chilling time and easy shaping make these peppermint meltaway cookies perfect for holiday baking. Enjoy the delightful peppermint flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of these festive treats!
Creating the Perfect Peppermint Frosting
Peppermint Meltaway cookies need the perfect peppermint frosting. This creamy, minty topping makes them a winter dessert delight. To make the ideal frosting, you’ll need a few ingredients and some tips.
Frosting Consistency Tips
To get the right frosting consistency, balance butter, confectioners’ sugar, and milk. Start by creaming the butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add powdered sugar slowly, one cup at a time, until it’s thick enough.
If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
Decorative Topping Ideas
For a festive look, add a few drops of red food coloring to the frosting. This gives it a candy cane color. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or holiday sprinkles on top for a fun texture and holiday cheer.
Professional Finishing Touches
To make your cookies look professional, pipe the frosting with a pastry bag. Use a star or round tip for a neat look. This also helps control how much frosting you use on each cookie.
For a final touch, dust the cookies with confectioners’ sugar or drizzle with peppermint extract.
With these tips, you’ll make the perfect peppermint frosting for your festive treats, winter desserts, and homemade gifts. Enjoy the buttery, minty taste and impress everyone with your baking skills.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Peppermint meltaway cookies are a hit during the holidays. They taste great and are easy to store and make ahead. These tips will help you enjoy these treats longer, whether for yourself or as gifts.
Great news – you can store these cookies at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. This makes them perfect for holiday baking. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it for 3 days or freeze it for 3 months. This way, you can have fresh cookies whenever you want.
Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. This lets you start your holiday baking early and have gifts ready. The peppermint frosting gets firmer after a few hours, making it easier to package and give as gifts.
| Storage Option | Duration |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days |
| Refrigerated | Up to 5 days |
| Frozen (Dough) | Up to 3 months |
| Frozen (Baked Cookies) | Up to 3 months |
With these tips, you can enjoy peppermint meltaway cookies all holiday season. You can also share them as homemade gifts with your loved ones.
Conclusion
Peppermint meltaway cookies are a wonderful addition to your holiday baking. They capture the Christmas spirit with their soft texture and refreshing peppermint taste. These peppermint meltaway cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as gifts.
The mix of butter, confectioners’ sugar, and peppermint extract makes these cookies indulgent yet light. Their holiday baking tradition and beautiful look make them ideal for your Christmas cookies and festive treats.
This article gives you all the details and tips to bake and decorate these peppermint meltaway cookies like a pro. Enjoy making these treats and share them with your loved ones. Let the peppermint magic of these peppermint meltaway cookies become a special part of your holiday traditions.
FAQ
What is the unique texture of peppermint meltaway cookies?
Peppermint meltaway cookies are soft and buttery. They melt in your mouth. This is because of the powdered sugar and cornstarch in the dough.
What makes peppermint meltaway cookies a holiday baking tradition?
These cookies are a holiday favorite. They remind us of after-dinner mints. Their soft, sweet, and peppermint taste is perfect for winter.
What are the key ingredients in peppermint meltaway cookies?
The main ingredients are butter, confectioners’ sugar, egg yolk, flour, and cornstarch. Butter makes them rich. Sugar and cornstarch help them melt. Peppermint extract adds flavor.
How do you make peppermint meltaway cookies?
First, cream butter and sugar. Then, add an egg yolk and peppermint extract. Mix in dry ingredients to get a sticky dough.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Scoop, roll into balls, and flatten them. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 7-9 minutes until edges are set.
How do you make the peppermint frosting?
For the frosting, mix butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Adjust the consistency by adding sugar or milk. Add food coloring for a festive look. Spread or pipe the frosting on cooled cookies.
How do you store and make ahead peppermint meltaway cookies?
Store cookies at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days. Make dough ahead and chill for 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Baked cookies freeze well for 3 months, making great gifts.
Source Links
- https://cookiesfordays.com/peppermint-meltaways/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peppermint-meltaways/?srsltid=AfmBOoplKxwq2OlXuGWrQFcGIgvGbqUmVFBe1vMgKBIfOAJb7EQZUzm7
- https://www.cookingclassy.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies/
- https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies/
- https://www.swankyrecipes.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies.html
- https://cakescottage.com/2016/10/25/peppermint-meltaway-cookies/
- https://www.devourdinner.com/peppermint-meltaways/
- https://iambaker.net/peppermint-meltaways/
- https://www.milehighmitts.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies-gluten-free-dairy-free-option/
- https://www.soulfullymade.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peppermint-meltaways/?srsltid=AfmBOoorv-I9gh2VVYIW-BCQcf9Ky2g3jMQ5NQbgPdoYuwZvoV3z1a1h
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peppermint-meltaways/?srsltid=AfmBOop7sWf9JT1AasIGpYfJRkZeI63UT2zBeWeh1hKWonAp79D8blBu
- https://ourbestbites.com/peppermint-meltaway-cookies/
- https://www.restlesschipotle.com/meltaway-cookies/
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/peppermint-meltaways/?srsltid=AfmBOoofsY3P2iQpMvGFYStiZX4reKKyN8wSn77kjZoJtW0grTVCULYX
- https://wigav.com/peppermint-meltaways-a-holiday-classic-youll-crave/
- https://www.overstuffedlife.com/peppermint-meltaways/
Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
