These Peppermint Meltaways are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a soft, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re preparing for a festive cookie exchange or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, they make for an easy yet impressive addition to your holiday baking lineup!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the peppermint extract and salt, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Roll each ball in the additional powdered sugar and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 120 per cookie
Servings: 24 cookies
The Origin of Peppermint Meltaways
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a classic holiday treat that combines the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a rich, buttery dough. These cookies are known for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is achieved through the use of soft butter and a high flour-to-butter ratio. While the exact origins of peppermint meltaways are unclear, they have become a staple of holiday baking traditions, especially around Christmas time, when peppermint is a favored seasonal flavor. Their simplicity and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Peppermint Meltaways
These cookies are not only easy to make, but their soft, buttery texture and the cool, crisp flavor of peppermint are perfect for anyone who loves mint-flavored desserts. The addition of powdered sugar in the dough and for rolling gives them a meltaway quality, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Plus, their delicate sweetness is perfectly balanced by the hint of peppermint, making them an irresistible treat for the holidays or any time of year.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meltaways
- Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to roll, you can refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Perfect shaping: Make sure to roll the dough balls evenly so that each cookie is uniform in size for even baking.
- Customize the flavor: If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add a little more peppermint extract to the dough or drizzle some melted chocolate over the cookies after baking for extra decadence.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own but can also be paired with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa. They also make excellent additions to holiday cookie trays and can be given as thoughtful homemade gifts. For an extra touch, you can decorate them with crushed candy canes or dip them in white chocolate for a festive flair.
Storage Tips
Peppermint Meltaways can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for the best texture.
The Magic of Peppermint in Baking
Peppermint is a timeless flavor that has long been associated with the holidays. Its refreshing, cooling taste pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery texture of baked goods like these meltaway cookies. The addition of peppermint extract enhances the flavor profile without overwhelming the taste buds, creating a balanced and delightful treat. Peppermint is also a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into various other desserts, from cakes to candies and even hot drinks like peppermint mochas.
The Secret to the Meltaway Texture
The unique “meltaway” texture is the hallmark of this cookie. It comes from the combination of butter, powdered sugar, and a delicate ratio of flour. The soft butter helps to create a dough that, when baked, produces a cookie that literally melts in your mouth. The key to achieving this melt-in-your-mouth effect is not overworking the dough. It’s important to mix the dough just until the ingredients come together, as over-mixing can result in a tougher texture.
Making These Cookies Ahead of Time
One of the best things about peppermint meltaways is that they can be made ahead of time. In fact, these cookies often taste even better after they’ve rested for a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. If you’re prepping for a big holiday gathering or planning to gift these cookies, you can bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month and bake the cookies as needed. This makes them an excellent option for holiday meal prep!
Customization Ideas
While this recipe is already delicious on its own, you can customize it to fit your preferences or to make it even more festive:
- Chocolate Dip: After baking, dip the edges of each cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for added sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkles: Add some colorful sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking to give them a fun, festive look.
- Infused flavors: For a twist, try adding a bit of vanilla extract or almond extract in addition to the peppermint for a layered flavor experience.
Healthier Option:
If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative. Additionally, you can use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier, gluten-free version. Keep in mind that these changes may slightly affect the texture of the cookies, but they can still result in a delicious treat.
Storing Peppermint Meltaways
To keep your peppermint meltaway cookies fresh and tasty for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, you can freeze them. Simply place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months and thawed before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Peppermint Meltaways
These cookies are a match made in heaven with many beverages, especially hot drinks:
- Tea: A cup of peppermint tea or chai tea complements the peppermint flavor in the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Peppermint meltaways are the perfect companion to a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate, adding a sweet and minty contrast to the warmth of the cocoa.
- Coffee: For those who enjoy a little caffeine boost, pairing these cookies with coffee creates a delightful contrast between the refreshing peppermint and the bold coffee flavor.
Why You Should Add Peppermint Meltaways to Your Holiday Tradition
These meltaway cookies are not just for Christmas; their light, refreshing taste makes them a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday cookie exchange, a family get-together, or as a sweet homemade gift, peppermint meltaways are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. Their simple ingredients, quick prep time, and festive appeal make them an excellent addition to any baking repertoire.
Conclusion
Peppermint Meltaways offer the perfect blend of buttery texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Easy to make and highly customizable, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or gifting them to loved ones, Peppermint Meltaways are a simple yet delicious way to add a festive touch to your season. Enjoy the holiday magic with every bite!