Description
Delightful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies bring festive cheer with their delicate, buttery texture melting gracefully on your palate. Crisp peppermint hints and powdered sugar coating create a winter wonderland of sweet perfection that will charm holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60 grams) cornstarch
Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Finishing and Decoration:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)
- Optional: red or green gel food coloring
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie placement.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, creating a smooth foundation for the cookie dough.
- Incorporate peppermint extract into the butter mixture, then gradually fold in flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until ingredients are just harmoniously combined.
- Using a small scoop or spoon, form 1-inch dough balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.
- Gently flatten each dough ball using the back of a spoon or fingertips, creating a uniform surface for even baking.
- Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges that signal perfect doneness.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract in a small bowl until achieving a smooth, silky consistency.
- Adjust the glaze thickness by adding milk in small increments if needed, and optionally introduce a hint of color with gel food coloring.
- Once cookies have completely cooled, drizzle or spoon the glaze over each cookie, creating an elegant finish.
- Immediately garnish with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies while the glaze remains wet, ensuring the decorative topping adheres perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more intense, authentic flavor profile.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain texture.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create more defined cookie shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain their delicate texture.
- Customize decoration by using white chocolate drizzle or colored sprinkles for festive variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 133
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg