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My kitchen turns into a winter wonderland when the fresh minty scent of these Peppermint Meltaways fills the air. Every year as December rolls around, these tiny delights become my go-to holiday cookie. The way they simply vanish on your tongue with that perfect mix of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint makes them totally addictive. They've grown into such an important part of my Christmas baking that my friends start bugging me about them before the holiday season even kicks off.
Why These Stand Out
These cookies have turned into my ultimate holiday trick. Their texture works like pure enchantment - they actually disappear once they hit your mouth. The peppermint brings such a lovely festive touch, and the recipe works so well that even when I eyeball the measurements, they still turn out great every time. I adore how flexible they are, whether I'm whipping them up for myself or wrapping them as presents.
Cookie Ingredients You'll Need
- Butter: One full cup brought to room temperature ensures they vanish like wisps.
- Confectioners' Sugar: Just a half cup delivers that velvety sweetness.
- Peppermint Extract: A mere half teaspoon carries all the holiday charm.
- All-Purpose Flour: About one and a quarter cups creates our ideal cookie foundation.
- Cornstarch: A half cup is my trick for that vanishing-on-your-tongue feeling.
- Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon lets all the tastes pop.
Frosting That Adds Festive Shine
- Butter: Just two tablespoons at room temperature for a smooth creamy start.
- Confectioners' Sugar: About one and a half cups makes it sweet and easy to spread.
- Milk: Two tablespoons gets you the right thickness.
- Peppermint Extract: A quarter teaspoon for that extra cool minty kick.
- Red Food Coloring: A couple drops creates that pretty holiday pink.
- Crushed Peppermints: My top pick for adding sparkle and bite.
Now Let's Bake
- Start with the core:
- Beat your butter and sugar until light and creamy then pour in that fantastic peppermint extract.
- Combine with care:
- Stir your dry stuff together then gradually add it in until you've created a soft beautiful dough.
- Take your time:
- Cool your dough in the refrigerator - it really helps with handling later.
- Form and cook:
- Make small round balls, stick them in the oven and look for that slight golden edge.
- Add the finishing touch:
- As they cool down, prepare your frosting. Once ready, top them and sprinkle with crushed peppermints.
Try Some Twists
I enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Sometimes I throw in some cocoa for chocolate fans or add orange zest for something different. My newest trick was mixing crushed candy directly into the dough - it makes for wonderful little surprises in each bite.
Handy Baking Advice
Spend a moment getting your butter just right - it makes everything mix together so much better. Don't skip the cooling step even if you're tempted, as it really helps your cookies stay shaped. Keep an eye on them while they bake - you want them barely turning golden.
Storage Solutions
These treats stay yummy for a week when kept in a sealed container. I usually make twice as many and freeze some for later. When I give them as presents, I pack them in cute holiday containers or clear bags with colorful ribbons.
Ways To Enjoy Them
These cookies taste amazing with a warm cup of hot chocolate. I like putting them out at Christmas parties alongside other sweets like chocolate-covered shortbread. A touch of sparkly sugar or some melted chocolate drizzled on top makes them even more festive.
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Perfect Holiday Tradition
These Peppermint Meltaways have grown into such a meaningful part of my Christmas season. Whenever I bake them they spread happiness - whether they're shared at family events, tucked into gift packages, or enjoyed quietly with some tea. They're truly one of those special treats that makes the holiday season feel complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why does the dough need chilling?
It firms up the butter so the cookies keep their shape in the oven, preventing them from spreading out too much.
- → Can I bake these in advance?
Absolutely. You can bake and store in a container. Add frosting and crushed candy pieces later for freshness.
- → What does cornstarch do in the dough?
Cornstarch helps make them soft and crumbly, giving that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel people love.
- → How should they be stored?
Keep them in an airtight box for up to one week. Use wax paper to keep frosted ones from sticking together.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
The undecorated cookies freeze well for up to three months. Let them thaw before frosting and adding candy pieces.