Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday treat, look no further than Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh. These dainty, buttery cookies are pure magic, melting on your tongue with a cool peppermint finish. Topped with a swirl of blushing pink frosting and twinkling bits of candy, they somehow capture everything joyful about the season in one bite. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or just craving a comforting winter snack, you’ll fall in love with every crumb of these holiday classics.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh is wonderfully straightforward, but each item plays a starring role! From real butter for richness to cornstarch for that signature melt-in-the-mouth feel, you’ll love how these simple pantry staples combine for maximum seasonal flavor.

• Butter, softened: The foundation of these cookies, it lends richness and that signature tender crumb.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Not just for sweetness—its delicate texture helps keep the cookies light and smooth.
• Peppermint extract: A few drops infuse each bite with just the right touch of wintry coolness.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for structure, it balances out all the other ingredients beautifully.
• Cornstarch: The secret ingredient behind the meltaway texture—don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and lifts the peppermint, making every flavor pop.
• For the Frosting: Softened butter for creamy body; confectioners’ sugar for sweetness; milk for spreadability; peppermint extract for flavor; a couple drops of red food coloring (if you want a festive pink); and of course, crushed peppermint candies for that glimmering holiday finish.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Let’s start off strong! In your largest mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates that airy base we need for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Once it’s silky-smooth, blend in the peppermint extract—take a moment to inhale that wonderful minty aroma!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Next, grab a separate bowl and whisk together your flour, cornstarch, and salt. Don’t rush this step; a thorough whisk means an even, soft dough later. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamy mixture, mixing just until they come together—over-mixing leads to tough cookies, so go gently.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

This chill break is vital for Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh! Cover the dough well and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling lets the dough firm up, keeping your cookies from spreading too much and helping them hold that perfectly round shape.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Pinch off portions of dough and gently roll them into 1-inch balls—think classic truffle size. Set each ball on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to bake without sticking together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Add the trays to the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn a pale golden brown. The tops should remain quite light. Transfer your Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh to wire racks and let them cool completely—it’s tempting to taste right away, but wait for the next step!

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, whisk up the frosting. Beat your softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar. Drizzle in milk and peppermint extract, and for that classic peppermint look, mix in a couple drops of red food coloring until you get the pastel pink of your dreams.

Step 7: Decorate

Once the cookies are cool, gently spread or pipe a swirl of the frosting over each one. Sprinkle the tops with crushed peppermint candies, letting them cascade like little holiday jewels—this finishing touch is what makes these Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh truly irresistible!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the impact of a pretty presentation. A sprinkle of extra crushed peppermint or even a dusting of confectioners’ sugar gives each cookie that magical holiday sparkle. Edible glitter or festive sprinkles can also be a fun addition, especially if you’re making these with kids.

Side Dishes

With their cool minty notes, these cookies are best friends with warm drinks! Serve them with mugs of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a velvety latte. For holiday gatherings, add them to a platter with gingerbread, buttery shortbread, or candied nuts to create a stunning dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift giving gets a major upgrade when you tuck Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh into decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Stack them in glass jars or arrange them on a frosted cake stand for your next holiday party. You can even layer these cookies in a festive mason jar as part of a homemade cookie gift set.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cookies left (which is honestly a challenge!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to 4 days, and you’ll love having a sweet treat on hand for drop-in visitors or spontaneous cravings.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh! Place unfrosted cookies in layers separated by parchment, pop into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and frost as needed for that fresh bakery taste.

Reheating

For that straight-from-the-oven softness, let refrigerated or frozen cookies come fully to room temperature. You don’t need to reheat—these delicate cookies are meant to be enjoyed cool for maximum meltaway effect. If you really want to warm them, a few seconds in a microwave will soften them beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract flavor?

Absolutely! While peppermint is classic for Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh, you can swap in vanilla, almond, or orange extract for a fun twist. Just remember that the signature festive flavor comes from peppermint!

Do I have to use food coloring in the frosting?

Nope—it’s completely optional. The red food coloring simply creates that rosy, pepperminty look, but your cookies will taste just as dreamy without it. You can even use natural colors if you prefer.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours ahead and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it soften just enough to shape into balls. This makes Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh a perfect make-ahead option for busy holidays.

What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies?

Seal unwrapped candies in a zip-top bag and gently bash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet—fun and stress-relieving! Go for a mix of larger shards and fine sprinkles for the prettiest finish on your Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, they are not gluten-free, but you can experiment with a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your other ingredients (especially the peppermint candies) are also gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to smile when you share a batch of Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh—each one is a little bundle of holiday happiness. Whether you make them as gifts, for parties, or a quiet family night in, I promise you’ll win over every peppermint lover. Go ahead and whip up a batch; your holiday season just got a sweet new tradition!

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