Why Make This Recipe
The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, sharing moments of joy, and enjoying delicious treats. Peppermint Meltaways are a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. They bring a delightful combination of softness and crunch, along with a refreshing peppermint flavor that many people adore. These little treats are not only easy to make but also a great way to include a festive spirit in your baking.
Peppermint Meltaways are loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are a wonderful blend of buttery goodness and sweet peppermint. They are perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or even just to enjoy while sipping hot cocoa on a chilly evening. Plus, the vibrant red and white from the crushed candy canes makes them visually appealing—an excellent treat to impress your guests!
Making these cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family. Children love to help in the kitchen, and rolling the dough into balls can be an enjoyable task for them. You might find that making these delightful cookies becomes a cherished holiday tradition in your home.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
Creating Peppermint Meltaways is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you will have a batch of sweet and minty cookies to enjoy. It is an excellent recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Below, you will find all the details you need to make these cookies perfectly.
Ingredients
To make Peppermint Meltaways, you will need the following 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
Gather these ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable. Remember that using softened butter is crucial for the best texture, so take it out of the refrigerator early enough for it to reach room temperature.
Directions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Peppermint Meltaways turn out perfect:
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential as baking cookies at the right temperature helps them to cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step creates a light texture that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
Add the extracts: Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix them well to ensure they are fully combined into the butter and sugar mixture. The peppermint extract is what gives these cookies their delightful flavor.
Combine the flour: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour. Mix until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Fold in the candy canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes. This step adds a crunchy texture to the cookies. Plus, the bits of red from the candy canes will give the cookies a festive look.
Scoop the dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop out balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread out while baking.
Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to turn lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool and dust with sugar: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the warm cookies with additional powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch.
With these easy steps, you will have delicious Peppermint Meltaways that are sure to please everyone!
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways
Serving Peppermint Meltaways is a delight in itself! Here are a few fun ideas for presenting these festive cookies:
Cookie Platter: Arrange your Peppermint Meltaways on a beautiful holiday-themed platter. You can mix them with other cookies for a colorful variety.
Gift Giving: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Place them in a decorative tin or box. You can also add a ribbon or a festive note to personalize your gift.
Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. The peppermint flavor compliments the warmth of these beverages perfectly.
Party Treats: If you are hosting a holiday party, serve Peppermint Meltaways on a dessert table. They will surely catch the eye of your guests.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these cookies will be a hit!
How to Store Peppermint Meltaways
Proper storage will help keep your Peppermint Meltaways fresh and tasty. Here are some tips for storing them:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure they aren’t exposed to air, as this can make them dry out.
Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for an even longer time, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are firm. After they freeze, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Thawing: When you want to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. They will taste just as good as when you first made them!
By following these storage tips, you can savor your Peppermint Meltaways long after they are made.
Tips to Make Peppermint Meltaways
To ensure that your Peppermint Meltaways turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Proper Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is adequately softened before you begin. You can leave it out for about an hour before using it. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces to speed up the softening process.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh extracts and high-quality candy canes will elevate the flavor of your cookies. Always check the expiration date on your ingredients.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of meltaways.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. If the cookies are too hot, the sugar will melt and won’t stay on top.
Following these tips will help you create delightful and delicious Peppermint Meltaways each time you bake.
Variation
While the classic Peppermint Meltaways are delightful on their own, you can try some variations for a new twist:
Chocolate Dip: For a richer taste, dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate. This adds another layer of flavor and makes them even more special.
Different Extracts: You could substitute the peppermint extract with other flavors like orange or almond for a different taste profile.
Add Nuts: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the dough. This adds crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness.
These variations can help you customize your Peppermint Meltaways to fit your flavor preferences!
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just omit the additional salt in the recipe. However, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookies better.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend is designed for baking and has a similar texture to regular flour.
3. How can I make these cookies more festive?
You can add festive sprinkles on top of the cookies before baking, or consider using colored candy canes that have bright red and green swirls. This will give your cookies a more vibrant appearance for the holiday celebrations.
By incorporating these ideas and tips, you will enjoy making and sharing Peppermint Meltaways. 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 bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts until well combined.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed candy canes.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and centers are soft.
- Allow to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust the warm cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.