There’s something enchanting about the first bite of a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that conjures memories of cozy holiday gatherings and warm kitchen aromas. As I unwrapped my well-loved canister of peppermint extract, I was transported back to childhood days when the scent alone could spark joy and anticipation. These Peppermint Meltaways are exactly what you need when you’re craving a treat that feels both special and simple to make—perfect for the home chef looking to elevate their baking game without a fuss.
Picture this: a buttery cookie that practically dissolves on your tongue, kissed with just the right amount of peppermint. The drizzle of creamy glaze, adorned with a sprinkle of crushed peppermints, adds a festive touch that makes them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these meltaways are a delightful reminder of how home-cooked goodness can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create this sweet masterpiece together!
Why are Peppermint Meltaways so irresistible?
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies offer a unique tenderness that makes every bite delightful.
Burst of peppermint: The perfect amount of minty flavor brings a refreshing twist that’s perfect for any season.
Easy to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these cookies ready to bake in no time!
Visually stunning: The glaze and crushed peppermints create an eye-catching dessert that impresses at gatherings.
Perfect for sharing: With two dozen cookies, you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends, ensuring everyone experiences this delicious treat!
Peppermint Meltaways Ingredients
• Let’s get ready to bake these delightful cookies!
- 1 cup butter – use unsalted for better control of sweetness
- ½ cup confectioners sugar – adds a smooth texture to the cookie dough
- ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract – adds that signature minty flavor
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – ensures a sturdy base for the cookies
- ½ cup cornstarch – keeps the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth
- 1½ cups confectioners sugar – used in the glaze for a sweet finish
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons milk – adjusts the glaze consistency for easy drizzling
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract – enhances the glaze’s flavor
- crushed peppermints – provides a festive crunch and beautiful presentation
Get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to these meltaways that are sure to become a favorite!
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter, ½ cup confectioners sugar, and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract using an electric mixer until creamy and well-blended. This forms the base of your meltaway cookie dough.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated, creating a soft dough that’s easy to handle.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
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Preheat Oven: Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to measure out 2-teaspoon-sized balls of dough. Roll them into smooth balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
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Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should still feel soft—don’t overbake for that meltaway texture!
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Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1½ cups confectioners sugar, milk, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary for a pourable consistency.
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Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and generously sprinkle with crushed peppermints, creating a delightful visual appeal and added crunch.
Optional: For extra festive flair, top with a sprinkle of edible glitter!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Meltaways
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Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and soft.
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Fridge: If you prefer them chilled, you can keep Peppermint Meltaways in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
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Freezer: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: If desired, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Peppermint Meltaways Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful cookies to suit your tastes and dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-friendly while maintaining their tenderness.
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Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg for a delicious plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy. The mint flavor will shine through beautifully.
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Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a rich twist that pairs perfectly with the peppermint, adding an extra layer of decadence.
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Cocoa Peppermint: Mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with your dry ingredients for a chocolate-infused version that’s equally melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
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Cinnamon Spice: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly.
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Peppermint Swirl: Create a marbled effect by dropping dollops of peppermint glaze into the cookie dough before baking—each bite will hold a surprise of minty sweetness!
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture, balancing the soft cookies with delightful crunch.
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Fiery Peppermint: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a unique spicy kick that complements the refreshing peppermint, igniting your taste buds!
What to Serve with Peppermint Meltaways?
Elevate your festive baking experience with these delightful cookie companions that enhance every bite of your meltaways.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate complements the meltaway texture beautifully, balancing the cookie’s minty freshness.
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Crisp Apple Slices: The crunchy sweetness of fresh apple slices contrasts wonderfully with the soft cookies, making for a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Mini Cheesecakes: These luscious, creamy treats offer a rich, tangy counterpart to the peppermint molasses, creating a well-rounded dessert spread.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream perfectly mirrors the meltaway texture of the cookies, turning dessert into a symphony of flavors.
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Mint Mojito Mocktail: A refreshing mojito with mint ties harmoniously into the peppermint theme, with a hint of citrus to brighten the palate.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of fresh strawberries, cloaked in rich chocolate, pairs perfectly with the light and airy peppermint taste for a delightful contrast.
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Coffee or Espresso: A strong brewed coffee heightens the cookie’s sweetness and minty notes, making it the perfect pick-me-up for your afternoon treats.
Each of these pairings invites you to embrace the full experience of your Peppermint Meltaways, turning every moment into a celebration of festive flavors!
Helpful Tricks for Peppermint Meltaways
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Chill the Dough Well: Allowing the dough to chill for at least one hour is crucial; this prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring a perfect meltaway consistency.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when the edges are lightly golden, leaving the center soft for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Adjust the Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, add an extra teaspoon of milk to achieve the desired pourable consistency. Too thin? Just sprinkle in a bit more confectioners’ sugar!
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Crushed Peppermints Tip: Use a food processor to crush peppermints evenly; this ensures a delightful crunch without overpowering the refreshing peppermint flavor of the cookies.
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Storage Secrets: Keep your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their meltaway texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Meltaways are perfect for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy homemade treats with less last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply follow the first three steps—combine ingredients, mix the dry ingredients, and chill the dough. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and scoop out your cookies to bake them fresh, ensuring the meltaway texture remains just as delightful. For an extended option, freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 3 months; when you’re craving these sweet delights, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Peppermint Meltaways Recipe FAQs
How can I tell if my ingredients are ripe or fresh?
Absolutely! For the best Peppermint Meltaways, use unsalted butter that is fresh and at room temperature, as this incorporates better into the dough. If your peppermint extract has a strong, vibrant aroma, it’s good to use. Make sure there are no dark spots on your flour or cornstarch, as this can indicate moisture or spoilage.
What is the best way to store leftover Peppermint Meltaways?
The more the merrier! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them chilled, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; simply let them come back to room temperature before enjoying that delightful meltaway texture.
Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaways? How?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be delicious!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very good question! If your cookies spread excessively while baking, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour before scooping. If this happens again, pop the dough back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes and then continue baking. It helps maintain that perfect meltaway consistency!
Can these cookies be made allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use dairy-free butter alternatives for a vegan-friendly cookie. Just be sure to check for peppermint extract free from any allergens if you are serving it to someone with sensitivities.
Are Peppermint Meltaways safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from pets, especially the peppermint and any chocolate variants. While peppermint is not toxic to dogs in small amounts, it can still cause stomach upset. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns!
Irresistibly Soft Peppermint Meltaways for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, ½ cup confectioners sugar, and ¾ teaspoon peppermint extract using an electric mixer until creamy and well-blended.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to measure out 2-teaspoon-sized balls of dough. Roll them into smooth balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden, leaving the centers soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1½ cups confectioners sugar, milk, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermints.
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