Description
Delightful peppermint meltaways cookies melt delicately on palates with crisp winter charm. Holiday bakers can savor these light, buttery treats that blend cool mint essence with sweet richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (64 grams) cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners’ sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Frosting and Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) 2% milk
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare the dough by vigorously whipping butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate peppermint extract thoroughly.
- Sift together flour and cornstarch, then gently fold into the butter mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become more manageable.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into compact 1-inch spheres, positioning them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for delicate golden-brown edges and bottoms, indicating perfect doneness.
- While cookies cool completely, prepare the frosting by whipping butter until smooth and creamy.
- Blend milk, peppermint extract, and optional food coloring into the butter. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously frost each one with the peppermint icing.
- Garnish the frosted cookies by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Swap butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version that maintains the same delicate texture and minty flavor.
- Add extra peppermint extract gradually to control intensity, ensuring the mint doesn’t overpower the delicate cookie base.
- Chill dough longer for more defined shapes and prevent spreading during baking, creating picture-perfect round cookies every time.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth softness and prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg