Delicious Peppermint Meltaways

Is there anything more evocative of the holiday season than the cool, refreshing burst of peppermint? These Peppermint Meltaways are pure holiday magic, tiny cookies that literally melt in your mouth, leaving behind a delightful peppermint tingle. They’re the perfect treat for Christmas cookie exchanges, a festive addition to your holiday dessert platter, or simply a sweet indulgence to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. I’ve been baking these for years, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to achieve the ultimate melt-away texture and intense peppermint flavor. Join me as I share all my secrets for creating these enchanting cookies – from the science behind their delicate crumb to the perfect peppermint extract to use.

What makes these Peppermint Meltaways so special? It’s all about the texture! They’re not crunchy or chewy; instead, they boast a delicate, sandy texture that practically dissolves on your tongue. The intense peppermint flavor is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the powdered sugar, creating a truly irresistible treat. They are super easy to make, which makes them perfect for the holiday baking season. You can even get the kids involved!

Ingredients for Perfect Peppermint Meltaways

Let’s break down the ingredients for these delightful cookies and explore why each one plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect melt-away texture and intense peppermint flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of our cookies! Use high-quality unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Softened butter creates a smoother, more homogenous dough, contributing to a delicate crumb. The butter’s fat content is crucial for the melt-away sensation.
• Powdered Sugar: The key to the melt-away texture. Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, contains cornstarch, which inhibits gluten development and prevents the cookies from becoming tough. It also dissolves easily into the butter, creating a smooth, creamy base.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! Use a high-quality pure peppermint extract for the best flavor. Artificial extracts can sometimes have a slightly medicinal taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste, as peppermint extract can be quite potent.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this can develop the gluten and result in tougher cookies. A soft, gentle hand is key.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. A pinch of salt goes a long way in bringing out the best in all the other ingredients.
• Optional: Red Food Coloring (Gel): Just a touch to give the cookies a festive pink hue. Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid, as it’s more concentrated and won’t add excess liquid to the dough. You could also use natural food coloring options like beet juice powder.
• Optional: Crushed Peppermint Candies: For garnish, adding a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Butter: While butter is best for flavor and texture, you can substitute with a vegan butter stick for a dairy-free option. Make sure it’s a stick formula, not a spread.
• Peppermint Extract: If you can’t find peppermint extract, you can use a combination of vanilla extract and a very small amount of mint extract. However, peppermint extract is definitely recommended for the authentic flavor.
• Flour: For gluten-free Peppermint Meltaways, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Meltaway Perfection

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make a big difference in the final result of these Peppermint Meltaways. Here are my top tips for achieving cookie perfection:

• Cream the Butter and Sugar Properly: This is the most important step! Creaming the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy incorporates air into the dough, which is essential for the melt-away texture. Use an electric mixer and beat for at least 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) allows the gluten to relax and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Bake Low and Slow: Baking at a low temperature (325°F/160°C) helps the cookies retain their delicate texture and prevents them from browning too quickly.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be pale and slightly puffed up when they’re done. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Dust Generously with Powdered Sugar: The powdered sugar coating adds to the melt-away texture and enhances the sweetness. Dust the cookies while they’re still slightly warm so the sugar adheres better.

FAQ: Your Peppermint Meltaway Questions Answered

Why are my Peppermint Meltaways dry and crumbly?

Dry and crumbly Peppermint Meltaways are usually the result of overbaking or adding too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately (spoon and level method is recommended) and don’t overbake the cookies. They should be pale and slightly puffed when they’re done. Overmixing the dough can also contribute to dryness, so mix only until just combined after adding the flour.

Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaway dough?

Yes! Peppermint Meltaway dough freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the recipe instructions.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! Peppermint Meltaways can be made ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I add chocolate to these cookies?

Yes, you can add chocolate! Mini chocolate chips would be a great addition. Fold them into the dough after adding the peppermint extract. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of indulgence. Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?

While peppermint extract is essential for the classic Peppermint Meltaway flavor, you could experiment with other extracts like vanilla, almond, or even lemon extract for a different twist. However, be sure to adjust the amount of extract accordingly, as some extracts are stronger than others. If using vanilla, you can create a delightful Vanilla Meltaway cookie, perfect for pairing with different toppings.

These Peppermint Meltaways are more than just cookies; they’re a taste of holiday nostalgia, a sweet memory in the making. The delicate, melt-away texture and refreshing peppermint flavor are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some holiday magic!

Don’t forget to share your Peppermint Meltaway creations with me on social media using #PeppermintMeltaways! I can’t wait to see your beautiful cookies. And if you are looking for more amazing recipes, check out these other delicious treats:

• Gingerbread Cookies
• Chocolate Fudge

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