Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-494497H3M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup unsalted butter; ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup cornstarch; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream; ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting); Peppermint candies (crushed)

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The delightful aroma of peppermint fills the air as I mix the buttery dough for these irresistible treats. Just imagine: warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that seem to whisper joy with every bite. The soft texture and sweet peppermint flavor create a cozy slice of happiness, making these Peppermint Meltaways the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter or a simple afternoon indulgence. When I was a child, my grandmother would bake a batch every December, turning the kitchen into a winter wonderland of minty goodness. The excitement of rolling dough and icing cookies still brings a smile to my face. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies promise to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try them!

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With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these Peppermint Meltaways are your go-to for quick, delicious baking. Their festive appearance and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them a hit during the holidays. Everyone will love the subtle hints of peppermint, and they’re incredibly easy to share or package for gifting. Plus, you’ll have fun making them! Trust me, you’ll want to whip up a double batch!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Peppermint Meltaways

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute baking.
Irresistible Flavor: Soft, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a burst of peppermint.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Adorned with crushed peppermint candies, they’re adorable on any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Great for holiday gatherings, cozy snacks, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free if needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

⅓ cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s very soft at room temperature for easy mixing. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter but omit any additional salt in the recipe.
⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and creaminess, contributing to the meltaway texture. Evaporated milk is not a substitute here, as it lacks the sugar.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract: This is the star flavor! Use a high-quality extract for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to reduce the amount.
1 cup cornstarch: This unique ingredient gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality. All-purpose flour can be used, but the texture won’t be the same.
1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for sweetness and will create a beautiful frosting. Make sure it’s sifted to avoid lumps.
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled): This helps create a creamy, spreadable frosting. Let it cool slightly after melting to avoid melting the frosting.
1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream: Adds richness to the frosting. You can substitute with milk, but the frosting will be less creamy.
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting): Use according to your preferred level of mintiness—start with less if you’re unsure!
Peppermint candies (crushed): For the finishing touch! They add a delightful crunch and extra minty flavor. You can use any type of peppermint candy, but stick to small pieces for easy consumption.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper – this helps prevent sticking and keeps your cookies nice and neat.

Mix Butter and Dairy: In a medium bowl, combine the very soft unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, blend everything together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps of butter left.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add cornstarch to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Continue blending until the dough is smooth and fully combined. This is the moment to appreciate the sweet, buttery smell—it’s heavenly!

Scoop and Space: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This helps them bake evenly, ensuring they don’t merge together.

Bake Until Golden: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft. You’ll know they’re done when a sweet aroma fills your kitchen, tempting you to taste them!

Cool Before Frosting: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is crucial as it allows them to set a little before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting: While your cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix together sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and the peppermint extract. Beat the mixture until it’s thick and smooth, adjusting the consistency with more heavy cream or powdered sugar as needed.

Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each one with about 2 teaspoons of frosting. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top. This step adds a delightful crunch and adds to the cheerful look of your cookies.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Peppermint Meltaways, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for about a week. If you want to keep them for even longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature for an hour. Keep in mind that freezing might slightly change the texture, but a quick 10-second reheat in the microwave can help refresh them.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the cornstarch, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter is very soft for a smooth mixture. Room temperature ingredients blend better, leading to a fluffier cookie.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet prevents breakage when transferring them to the cooling rack.
Adjusting Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired spreadable texture.
Flavor Variations: Mix in other extracts like vanilla or almond for unique flavors. Just be cautious not to overpower the peppermint!
Make-Ahead Magic: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly.

These Peppermint Meltaways are pleasing to the eye and irresistible to the palate. The combination of buttery softness and sweet mintiness will surely make them a favorite in your baking repertoire. Feel free to experiment with various types of frosting or toppings, and don’t hesitate to share your artistic flair in the kitchen. There’s truly no wrong way to enjoy these delightful cookies, so let your creativity shine!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend is designed for baking to maintain the delightful texture.

What can I do if my frosting is too thin?

If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. You want it to be spreadable but able to hold its shape on the cookies.

Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?

Certainly! Feel free to switch things up with vanilla or almond extracts for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the peppermint flavor is what defines these meltaways, so add sparingly.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is soft but not melted, as too much warmth can cause spreading. Also, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if you find your cookies spread too much.

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