Description
Peppermint Meltaways bring festive cheer with delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that dance with cool mint flavor. Delightful holiday treats sprinkled with powdered sugar will make you the star of any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornstarch
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1–2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) milk
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Whip softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, then infuse with peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor profile.
- Gradually incorporate flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture, blending until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, gently rolling each between your palms and positioning them on the prepared baking sheets with slight gentle compression.
- Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a pale cookie appearance.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to room temperature for optimal texture and frosting adherence.
- Craft the frosting by smoothing butter until creamy, then methodically blend powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Generously coat each cooled cookie with the prepared frosting, creating an even layer that complements the delicate cookie base.
- Finish by sprinkling crushed candy canes across the frosted cookies, adding a festive crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to add festive pink or red swirls without altering the frosting’s consistency.
- Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks, perfect for make-ahead holiday baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 50 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg