Peppermint Meltaways Recipe
Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a sweet, minty delight.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract for a festive aroma.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure the cookies hold their shape when baked.
- Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if desired) until smooth and spreadable.
- Decorate: Spread frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let the frosting set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use crushed peppermint candies for garnish to add extra crunch and festive appearance.
- You can omit food coloring if you prefer a natural frosting color.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract to the dough or frosting.
Keywords: Peppermint cookies, butter cookies, peppermint frosting, holiday cookies, mint desserts