Peppermint Meltaways are a delightful treat that brings a little touch of holiday magic to any day. These cookies are buttery and creamy, with a gentle hint of peppermint that refreshes your palate. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, they’re easy to whip up, making them a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These little cookies are special because they are incredibly easy to make. With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time, you don’t need to be a baking expert to enjoy them. The combination of mint and sweetness makes them a family favorite, and they’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday snacks.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Making these cookies is simple and stress-free. You’ll cream the butter and sugars, add in your flavorings, and mix in the dry ingredients. Then, a quick roll and bake, and you’ll find yourself with warm, melt-in-your-mouth cookies in no time. Trust me, the results are delicious!

What You Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Mix in the peppermint and vanilla extracts.
Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways

These cookies are wonderfully versatile! Serve them on a festive tray for holiday parties, or enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly day. They’re also fantastic as a light dessert after a family dinner or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes. Just add some extra powdered sugar for a touch of elegance!

How to Store Peppermint Meltaways

To keep your meltaways fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

Recipe Tips

Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep your cookies tender.
You can add crushed peppermint candy on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the extract slightly.
These cookies can be rolled in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar for a twist.
For a festive touch, add food coloring to the dough to make them colorful!

Variations & Swaps

Substitute the peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract for a different flavor.
You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Add chocolate chips to the dough for a mint chocolate version.
Roll the cookies in crushed nuts instead of sugar for added crunch.
For a seasonal twist, add a bit of eggnog extract for that holiday vibe.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Simply roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag after they’re firm. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes! Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious flavor.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or use crushed peppermint candies for a different but tasty variation.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool.

What’s the best way to dust them with sugar?
To get a nice even coating, sift the powdered sugar over the cookies once they’ve cooled slightly. This will give them a lovely finish without clumping.