When the holiday season arrives, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a must-have for every dessert table. These buttery, tender cookies infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor truly live up to their name, melting in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make these delightful cookies, along with tips for perfecting their texture, ideas for serving and gifting, and creative variations.
Why You’ll Love Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
The hallmark of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is their incredible texture, which seems to dissolve the moment you take a bite. This is achieved by incorporating cornstarch into the dough—a key ingredient that reduces gluten formation and gives the cookies their tender, delicate consistency. Unlike traditional cookies that rely on chewiness or crunch, these cookies offer a velvety softness that’s unmatched. It’s a texture that makes them a standout on any holiday dessert table and keeps you reaching for more.
2. Festive Flavors
These cookies combine the rich, buttery base with the refreshing coolness of peppermint, making them an instant holiday classic. The peppermint flavor is balanced, not overpowering, so it complements the cookies’ buttery richness perfectly. Each bite feels like a little taste of holiday magic—refreshing, satisfying, and comforting all at once. The flavor profile also makes them versatile enough to pair with other desserts or beverages, from hot cocoa to peppermint bark.
3. Beautiful Presentation
With their snowy white appearance, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Their simplicity exudes elegance, and they can be dressed up with creative garnishes like:
- A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate.
- Crushed candy canes for a colorful, festive pop.
- Edible glitter or sugar crystals for a sparkling, magical touch.
Their charming look makes them perfect for holiday dessert platters, edible gifts, or as the centerpiece of your cookie exchange. Whether presented on a tray or wrapped in a gift box, these cookies will impress your friends and family with their festive charm.
Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive cookies:
- 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
- Optional Toppings: Crushed candy canes, additional powdered sugar, or melted white chocolate for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the peppermint extract. Start with the recommended amount, and adjust to taste for a balanced peppermint flavor.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar, mixing until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing to maintain the tender texture.
3. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The cookies should remain pale and not browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
1. Use High-Quality Butter
The flavor and texture of these cookies rely heavily on butter. Choose a high-quality unsalted butter for the richest taste. Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
2. Incorporate Peppermint Extract Sparingly
Peppermint extract is potent, so a little goes a long way. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. For added complexity, combine it with a touch of vanilla extract.
3. Achieve the Perfect Texture
The cornstarch is the key to the cookies’ signature “meltaway” texture. Ensure it is evenly incorporated by sifting it with the flour before mixing. Don’t skip chilling the dough—it keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Avoid Overbaking
To maintain their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are set. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them crumbly instead of tender.
For more cookie storage tips, visit What Is the Best Way to Store Baked Cookies?.
Creative Variations
- Drizzled Elegance: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.
- Candy Cane Crunch: Roll the dough balls in crushed candy canes before baking for extra peppermint flavor and crunch.
- Powdered Sugar Bliss: Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar for a snowball-like appearance.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-peppermint combo.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
1. Holiday Platters
Pair Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with other festive treats like Christmas Oreo Balls for a colorful dessert platter. Garnish with:
- Crushed candy canes for a pop of color.
- Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter for a touch of elegance.
For ideas on creative cookie decorating, visit What Can I Decorate My Cookies With?.
2. Edible Gifts
These cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts. Package them in:
- Holiday Tins: Layer the cookies with parchment paper in festive tins, and tie a ribbon around the lid.
- Mason Jars: Stack cookies in jars and attach a handwritten tag with the recipe or a holiday message.
- Cellophane Bags: Seal the cookies in clear bags and finish with red and white ribbons to mimic candy canes.
For an extra-special touch, include other treats like Pumpkin Bread Truffles in your gift basket.
3. Dessert Buffets
Add Peppermint Meltaway Cookies to a holiday dessert buffet alongside other themed desserts like How to Make Halloween Monster Cookies. Elevate the presentation by:
- Using tiered trays for a layered display.
- Including small bowls of crushed candy canes or dipping sauces for guests to customize their cookies.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigeration: Extend their freshness by refrigerating for up to 10 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, preparing the dough in advance is a great time-saver:
- Refrigerate: Store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
- Freeze: Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I Substitute Peppermint Extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use:
- Crushed Candy Canes: Add them to the dough or sprinkle them on top for peppermint flavor.
- Mint Extract: Use sparingly, as it’s stronger and can taste slightly different from peppermint.
- Vanilla Extract: While it won’t have the same minty freshness, vanilla complements the buttery richness of these cookies.
3. How Do I Prevent the Cookies from Spreading?
To maintain the signature round shape:
- Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, which provides a non-stick surface and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Avoid over-softening the butter when preparing the dough.
4. How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done?
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies should remain pale and tender. Look for:
- Set Edges: The edges should be firm but not browned.
- Soft Centers: The centers should appear slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Creative Pairing Ideas for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
- With Beverages:
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea. For an extra indulgent experience, serve them with Homemade Hot Chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.
- On Dessert Trays:
- Create a dessert tray featuring Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, Christmas Oreo Balls, and Pumpkin Bread Truffles for a variety of flavors and textures.
- As a Cheesecake Topping:
- Crumble leftover cookies over a no-bake cheesecake for a festive twist. Pair this with recipes like How to Make Halloween Monster Cookies for an eclectic dessert buffet.
Final Touches to Your Holiday Baking
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are an ideal addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their delicate texture, refreshing flavor, and festive appearance make them perfect for every occasion, from intimate family gatherings to grand holiday celebrations.
Whether you’re packaging them as gifts, adding them to dessert platters, or enjoying them alongside a cozy beverage, these cookies are sure to bring joy. Use the decorating and storage tips provided to make your cookies truly stand out this holiday season.
Get started on your batch today, and don’t forget to pair them with other crowd-pleasers like Pumpkin Bread Truffles and Christmas Oreo Balls. Happy Baking! ✨