Peppermint Meltaways

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies for a Chilly Fall Day

As the crisp autumn air starts to hint at winter’s arrival, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by baking some cozy delights. Let me express my heartfelt gratitude to you for stopping by to explore this special recipe with me! Peppermint Meltaway Cookies offer a blend of buttery tenderness with a refreshing hint of peppermint—perfect for those chilly afternoons spent wrapped in a cozy blanket.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a delightful treat for all ages! The flavor is perfectly balanced, delivering a light peppermint touch without overwhelming sweetness. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients, which makes them family-friendly. Plus, there’s something undeniably magical about the way these cookies melt in your mouth! Whether you’re baking with your loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies provide a moment of joy in every bite.

Ingredients

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glazing)
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for glazing)
– 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies

Necessary Tools

– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Wire rack

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Feel free to experiment by replacing peppermint extract with vanilla if you prefer a milder taste. For a festive touch, adding white chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top can elevate these cookies further. If you are feeling adventurous, a dash of cinnamon can introduce a warm, spicy note!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—let the aroma of peppermint fill your kitchen!
3. Add in the peppermint extract and mix until well incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually blend this into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract to create a smooth glaze.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and top with crushed peppermint candies for that perfect peppermint touch. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or a steaming mug of peppermint tea. They are wonderful on their own, but serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or next to a warm slice of apple pie can make for an indulgent fall dessert spread.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before beginning. Chill the dough briefly if it’s too sticky to handle. Crushing the peppermint candies finely ensures a more even distribution across the cookies for consistent bites of flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them into the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to restore their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

2. What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute with an equal amount of additional flour, but the cookies may be slightly less tender.

Conclusion

In summary, these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies stand out for their ease of preparation and the delightful sensory experience they offer. Their flavorful nuances and meltaway texture make them a must-try this season! I encourage you to try this recipe, share your photos with family and friends, and tag your creations—I’d love to see your baking journey!

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutritional information per cookie: 120 calories, 8g fat, 14g carbohydrates, 1g protein.

History of Meltaway Cookies

Meltaway cookies have a charming history that reflects their name. Originating from the concept of ultra-tender shortbread, they gained popularity in the early 20th century when home bakers began experimenting with cornstarch to create soft, “melt-in-your-mouth” textures. Today, these cookies are a beloved classic, often infused with seasonal flavors like peppermint for festive occasions.

Make It a Family Tradition

One of the best things about Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is how they bring people together. Here’s how you can make them part of your seasonal traditions:

• Holiday Baking Day: Host a cookie-baking day with friends or family, making these cookies alongside other classics like sugar cookies and snickerdoodles.
• Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a glaze-and-topping station for kids to decorate their cookies with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or edible glitter.
• Personalized Gifts: Include these cookies in custom gift boxes with handwritten recipe cards for a thoughtful homemade touch.

How to Crush Peppermint Candies Like a Pro

Getting that perfect peppermint crunch is all about technique:

1. Place unwrapped peppermint candies or candy canes in a heavy-duty resealable bag.
2. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to gently crush the candies into small, even pieces.
3. For finer topping, pulse the candies in a food processor for a few seconds.

Pro Tip: Sift the crushed candies to separate larger chunks for garnish and finer bits for glaze decoration.

How to Customize the Glaze

The glaze on these cookies is like a blank canvas! Here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Color It: Add a drop of red or green food coloring to the glaze for a festive touch.
• Flavor It: Enhance the glaze with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange zest for a unique twist.
• Texture It: Mix in finely ground peppermint or white chocolate chips for extra texture.

Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Dessert Experience

These cookies are delightful on their own, but why stop there? Pair them with complementary treats for a memorable dessert spread:

• Hot Drinks: Serve alongside peppermint hot chocolate, eggnog, or mulled cider for a cozy winter vibe.
• Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies around a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a festive ice cream sandwich.
• Cookie Platter: Combine with spiced molasses cookies and chocolate-dipped biscotti for an elegant holiday platter.

Share the Joy

Baking these cookies is just the start—sharing them is the real magic!

• Gift Packaging Ideas: Use clear treat bags, mason jars, or decorative tins. Add a festive bow or handwritten tag for a personal touch.
• Community Events: Bring a batch to school functions, church events, or local bake sales to spread holiday cheer.
• Virtual Cookie Swap: Host a virtual swap by sharing photos and recipes with loved ones far away.

Creative Ways to Serve

Take your cookie presentation up a notch with these ideas:

• Edible Ornaments: Use a straw to create a hole before baking, then thread with ribbon for edible tree ornaments.
• Miniature Desserts: Create bite-sized versions and serve them in cupcake liners for a chic party treat.
• Holiday Table Décor: Arrange the cookies in tiers on a cake stand and use them as a festive centerpiece.

Behind the Recipe

These cookies were inspired by the nostalgic charm of holiday baking. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the festive flair of peppermint creates a sense of warmth and celebration. Each time I bake them, I’m reminded of cozy evenings, snow-dusted windows, and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Variations to Try

These cookies are fantastic as-is, but if you’re looking to experiment or personalize the recipe, here are some fun variations to consider:

1. Chocolate Peppermint Delight: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base. Pair with white chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint for a festive twist!
2. Citrus Peppermint Fusion: Replace half of the peppermint extract with orange or lemon extract to add a subtle citrus undertone.
3. Festive Sprinkles: Swap the crushed peppermint candies for colorful holiday sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations and kid-friendly fun.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Ensure the cornstarch you use is also gluten-free.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies for Special Occasions

These cookies are the ideal treat for more than just cozy fall afternoons. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your special occasions:

• Holiday Gifting: Package them in decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. They’re a charming homemade gift!
• Cookie Exchanges: These cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at cookie swap parties, thanks to their unique texture and flavor.
• Winter Weddings: Serve these as part of a dessert buffet or as individually wrapped wedding favors.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you run into any issues while baking, these tips should help:

1. Cookies are too crumbly: This might happen if the dough was over-mixed or too much flour was added. Measure your flour carefully and mix just until combined.
2. Glaze is too runny: Add powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, to thicken it to your desired consistency.
3. Cookies spread too much: Ensure your butter isn’t overly soft or melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking.

Make It a Full Fall Baking Day

Turn your baking session into a day of delicious productivity with these other seasonal recipes to pair with your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies:

1. Cranberry-Orange Scones: Another melt-in-your-mouth treat, perfect for a cozy brunch.
2. Pumpkin Spice Bread: The ultimate fall loaf to pair with your morning coffee.
3. Apple Cinnamon Muffins: A warm, spiced muffin that complements the refreshing taste of peppermint cookies.

Fun Fact About Peppermint

Did you know that peppermint has been cherished for its soothing properties for centuries? The herb dates back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where it was used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Today, it’s celebrated not only for its refreshing flavor but also for its ability to calm digestion and uplift spirits—just another reason to indulge in these cookies guilt-free!

Call to Action: Let’s Stay Connected!

Have you made these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below with your thoughts, tips, or even a photo of your batch. You can also tag me on Instagram or Pinterest—seeing your creations makes my day! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more cozy recipes like this one. 🍪

What inspires you when you bake? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!