These Peppermint Meltaways are the perfect holiday treat, delivering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture infused with festive peppermint flavor. Topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting baked goods, or simply indulging in the holiday spirit, these cookies are sure to impress.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract. Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Peppermint Meltaways are the ultimate holiday cookie, combining delicate textures with festive flavors. Their pretty pink frosting and peppermint garnish make them perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as an edible gift. Simple to make yet stunning on a plate, they’re a surefire way to spread holiday cheer!
Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Holiday Delight
Soft, buttery cookies with a peppermint twist,topped with creamy frosting and crushed candies, making them an irresistibleholiday favorite.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract. Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Garnish: Spread or pipe the frosting over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the frosting set slightly before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.