Peppermint Meltaways
Embrace the festive spirit with these delightful peppermint meltaways, the perfect treat for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Crafted from simple ingredients like butter, confectioners’ sugar, and a hint of peppermint extract, these cookies offer a luxurious taste that is surprisingly easy to make. The addition of crushed peppermint candies adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect blend of smooth and crisp.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or seeking a sweet gift for friends and family, these peppermint meltaways bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Indulge in the magic of the season with this charming treat that captures the essence of the holidays.
Peppermint Meltaways Ingredients
Butter serves as the rich foundation, lending a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Confectioners’ sugar sweetens the mix, creating a delicate, meltaway quality that perfectly balances the festive flavors.
Peppermint extract infuses each bite with a refreshing zing, evoking the spirit of the holiday season. All-purpose flour and cornstarch work in harmony to create a light, tender crumb, ensuring these treats are both airy and satisfying.
For the frosting, butter and milk create a smooth, luscious layer that enhances the meltaways’ indulgence. A touch of peppermint extract and vibrant food coloring adds a festive flair, while crushed peppermint candies provide a delightful crunch, completing the sensory experience.
Peppermint Meltaways: Recipe Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
Peppermint Meltaways are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience, suggestions for pairing, and answers to common questions.
Recipe Tips
- Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or until it’s firm. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring that the cookies hold their shape during baking. It prevents the dough from spreading too much, giving you those ideal meltaway cookies.
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and pure peppermint extract can significantly enhance the flavor of your meltaways. The richness of good butter creates a luxurious texture, while pure peppermint extract delivers a more vibrant and authentic taste compared to imitation extracts.
- Customize the Frosting: Feel free to experiment with the frosting! You can add a splash of vanilla extract or substitute a different flavor for the peppermint, such as almond or orange, to create a unique twist. Additionally, consider adjusting the food coloring to match your holiday theme—whether it’s red and green for Christmas or pastel shades for a spring gathering.
What to Serve with Peppermint Meltaways
Pairing these peppermint meltaways with a few complementary items can enhance your dessert experience.
- Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, makes for a cozy pairing with your meltaways. The rich chocolate flavor complements the mintiness, creating a delightful contrast that is sure to please.
- Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant peppermint tea can balance the sweetness of the cookies. The bitterness of coffee enhances the meltaways’ flavors, while peppermint tea offers a soothing, herbal complement.
- Holiday Fruit Platter: Consider serving the meltaways alongside a colorful fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and cranberries. The bright, tangy flavors of the fruit will refresh the palate and add a festive touch to your dessert spread.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Peppermint meltaways can be made in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies without frosting. They can be frosted once thawed. - What if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that cornstarch helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so the final result may be slightly different. - How do I store leftover cookies?
Store any leftover peppermint meltaways in an airtight container to keep them fresh. For optimal flavor and texture, consume them within a week, or freeze them for later enjoyment. - Can I use other extracts for variation?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is traditional, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even orange for a unique flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
These delightful peppermint meltaways are sure to be a hit during the holiday season or at any gathering. With these tips and suggestions, you can enjoy making and serving these festive treats!
Peppermint Meltaways
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 to 3 drops red food coloring optional
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Begin by creaming the softened butter with confectioners’ sugar in a small mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Incorporate the peppermint extract into the creamed mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, then gradually add this dry blend to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or until it is firm enough to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Form the chilled dough into balls measuring about 1 inch in diameter and arrange them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned. Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in the milk and peppermint extract, adding food coloring if desired. Slowly incorporate the confectioners’ sugar until the frosting achieves a smooth consistency. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookies, then top with crushed peppermint candies. Store the finished meltaways in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
