If you’re looking for a holiday treat that literally melts in your mouth, Peppermint Meltaways are the perfect choice! These delicate, buttery cookies are infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a luscious peppermint glaze. They’re light, refreshing, and ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just indulging in some festive sweetness. With their smooth texture and a touch of cool mint, these cookies truly live up to their name!
Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Meltaways
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture – Thanks to the cornstarch and powdered sugar, these cookies are soft and delicate.
- Easy to make – The dough comes together quickly, and there’s no need for rolling or cutting.
- Festive and beautiful – Topped with a peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Perfect for gifting – These cookies make excellent edible gifts during the holiday season.
Ingredients Notes
For the Cookies:
- Unsalted butter – Provides a rich and creamy base.
- Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and keeps the cookies light.
- Cornstarch – The secret to their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure.
- Peppermint extract – Infuses the cookies with a refreshing minty flavor.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered sugar – The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- Milk – Helps thin out the glaze.
- Peppermint extract – Enhances the peppermint flavor.
- Crushed candy canes – Adds a festive touch and extra crunch.
How to Make These Peppermint Meltaways
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the peppermint extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the cornstarch, flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before the glaze sets.
Storage Options
Proper storage is essential to maintain the delightful texture and fresh peppermint flavor of Peppermint Meltaways. Follow these guidelines to keep your cookies fresh for as long as possible:
Short-Term Storage
- Room Temperature: Store your peppermint meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Humidity Control: Since these cookies are soft and delicate, keeping them in a cool, dry place away from heat and humidity will help preserve their texture.
Refrigeration
- If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container. This can help maintain freshness for up to 10 days while slightly enhancing the peppermint flavor.
- Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
If you want to store peppermint meltaways for an extended period, freezing is a great option:
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Freezing Dough: If you’d rather bake fresh cookies later, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw slightly at room temperature and bake as usual.
- Thawing: Remove from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Customizing your Peppermint Meltaways can make them even more exciting! Try these fun variations and ingredient swaps to create new flavors:
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey version. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for extra indulgence.
- Vanilla Almond Meltaways: Swap peppermint extract with almond extract for a nutty twist while keeping the soft, buttery texture.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy flavor that pairs well with the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter Alternative: If you want a dairy-free version, replace the butter with vegan butter or solid coconut oil. This will still give you a soft and tender cookie.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version that keeps the same soft texture.
- Sugar Substitute: Use powdered monk fruit sweetener instead of regular powdered sugar for a lower-sugar version.
Toppings & Decorations
- Festive Colors: Use different food coloring in the frosting to match holiday themes (red, green, or even blue for a winter wonderland look).
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for a decorative and flavorful crunch.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies to enhance their festive look and add a creamy sweetness.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Meltaways are a must-have holiday treat! Their light, buttery texture and cool peppermint flavor make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or looking for a festive homemade gift, these cookies will be a hit. Try them today and bring a little extra joy to your holiday season!