Peppermint Meltaways are a delightful cookie that brings the holiday spirit to life. With their soft texture and sweet peppermint flavor, these cookies are a perfect treat to share with family and friends. The combination of buttery goodness and crushed candy canes makes them a favorite during festive gatherings. Moreover, preparing these meltaways is quite simple, making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through every step with ease.
Making cookies can be a joyful experience, especially when you know they will impress those around you. The refreshing taste of peppermint paired with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these cookies a standout addition to your holiday spread. You can serve them at parties, give them as gifts, or simply enjoy them yourself while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should try making Peppermint Meltaways. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to prepare! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that will surely wow your guests. The process doesn’t take much time, and the results are delicious.
These cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing. The crushed candy canes sprinkle a festive touch, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. They are great for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a sweet little gift for neighbors and friends. Baking these cookies fills your home with a wonderful aroma that will have everyone asking what’s cooking.
Additionally, making minty treats allows you to involve your kids or friends in the fun. Mixing ingredients, rolling the dough, and adding toppings can be a delightful activity that brings everyone together. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use leftover candy canes after the holiday season.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the peppermint flavor to your liking or even explore other variations to suit different tastes. So, let’s dive into how to make these delicious Peppermint Meltaways.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
Making Peppermint Meltaways is simple and straightforward. The following sections will take you step-by-step through the process.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, take a moment to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and the powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream them together. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This is an essential step because it incorporates air into the batter, creating a light texture in the cookies.
Add Flavorings: Next, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Make sure these are mixed in well. The extracts will provide the delicious peppermint flavor and aroma that make these cookies so special.
Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. This step needs gentle mixing, so use a spatula or your mixer on low speed until combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this can make your cookies tough instead of soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
Fold in the Candy Canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes. This adds a delightful crunch and additional peppermint flavor. Ensure that the candy canes are well-distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This will allow room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they are cool enough to handle, dust them generously with additional powdered sugar. This adds a nice snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
After following these steps, your Peppermint Meltaways will be ready to serve!
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways
These cookies are perfect for many occasions. Serve them at holiday parties for a festive touch. Place them on a festive platter, and they will be a delightful centerpiece at any gathering. Pair them with hot chocolate or coffee to enhance the peppermint flavor.
Peppermint Meltaways also make excellent gifts. You can package them in a decorative tin or a clear bag tied with a holiday ribbon. This thoughtful gesture will be appreciated by friends, family, or coworkers.
If you plan to enjoy these cookies as a family treat, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The coolness of the ice cream complements the refreshing mint perfectly, creating a delicious dessert experience.
How to Store Peppermint Meltaways
To keep your Peppermint Meltaways fresh, it’s essential to store them properly. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Tips to Make Peppermint Meltaways
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
- Adjust Peppermint Flavor: If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a bit more peppermint extract. Just be careful not to overpower the mix.
- Crush Candy Canes Carefully: Use a ziplock bag and a rolling pin to crush candy canes. This method will give you nice, even pieces.
- Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Take them out as soon as you see the edges turning golden.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist. You can also try other extracts, such as almond or lemon, for different flavors.
For a holiday look, decorate the cookies with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or top with additional crushed candy canes after baking.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
You can enhance the festive look by adding colored sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations on top of the cookies before baking or after dusting with powdered sugar.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready, scoop and bake as directed.
These Peppermint Meltaways are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Happy baking!
Peppermint Meltaways
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until well combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing gently to combine.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed in the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.