Introduction

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive are a delightful holiday treat that melt in your mouth, leaving a refreshing burst of peppermint. These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges and festive gatherings, making them a must-have in your holiday baking repertoire. With their soft texture and minty flavor, they evoke the spirit of the season, bringing joy and warmth to every celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

These cookies are not only a visual delight but also a feast for your taste buds. Here are a few reasons to love them:

They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners looking for an easy peppermint meltaway cookies recipe.
These cookies are a hit at any holiday party, serving as peppermint cookies for holiday parties.
The refreshing taste of peppermint makes them a favorite among minty meltaway treats.
They can be easily customized with various decorations, making them fun to prepare with family.
These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, aligning with many dietary preferences.
They store well, making them an ideal choice for gifting during the festive season.

Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

Gather these items:

1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Red Food Coloring (optional)
1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat your softened unsalted butter until it’s light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost white in color, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: With the mixer on low speed, beat in the peppermint extract until just combined.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: If desired, divide your dough in half. Leave one half plain and knead a few drops of red food coloring into the other half until evenly colored. Lightly twist the two dough colors together for a swirled effect.
Step 7: Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 8: Once chilled, roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and the cookies are still very pale in the center.
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: For the optional glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the glaze sets.

Delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive Treats - Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

Keep these in mind:

These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges and festive gatherings.
They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Experiment with different types of crushed candies for decorating.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

These cookies shine during the holiday season! Here are a few serving ideas:

Serve them alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Use them as part of a festive dessert platter featuring other holiday peppermint cookies.
Package them in decorative boxes as peppermint cookie gift ideas for friends and family.

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain delightful for up to a week. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when needed. This is a great way to enjoy homemade peppermint cookies anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

The secret lies in the mixing technique. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a tender texture. This is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth effect that makes these cookies irresistible.

Can I make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed cookie balls and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready to indulge in these festive delights.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your butter is softened properly but not melted, and do not overmix the dough after adding the flour. This will help maintain the soft texture that defines these cookies.

Variations of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive You Can Try

There are many fun variations you can experiment with:

For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to half of the dough to create a chocolate-mint version.
Try incorporating different extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
Make gluten-free peppermint meltaway cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.

Delicious Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Festive Treats

Print Recipe

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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that melt in your mouth, leaving a refreshing burst of peppermint.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar)
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup Cornstarch
1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
Red Food Coloring (optional)
1/2 cup Crushed Candy Canes

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat your softened unsalted butter until it’s light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost white in color, about 3-5 minutes.
With the mixer on low speed, beat in the peppermint extract until just combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If desired, divide your dough in half. Leave one half plain and knead a few drops of red food coloring into the other half until evenly colored. Lightly twist the two dough colors together for a swirled effect.
Cover the dough and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
Once chilled, roll the dough into small, 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and the cookies are still very pale in the center.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the optional glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the glaze sets.