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These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are tiny treats that simply dissolve in your mouth and work perfectly for holiday gatherings. With their airy feel, gentle mint flavor, and sweet buttery topping, they're great for sprucing up any festive table or giving as a tasty gift.
What makes these cookies so tempting
These cookies mix an incredibly soft texture with a cool peppermint taste. The sweet butter topping and crunchy bits of candy cane turn them into an elegant holiday treat. They're wonderful for celebrations or just when you want something sweet for yourself.
Key ingredients for guaranteed success
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (16 tablespoons; 226g), softened to room temperature for a smooth mix.
- Powdered sugar: 2/3 cup (80g) for gentle sweetness.
- Egg yolk: 1, at room temperature, for an even mixture.
- Extracts: 1 tsp pure vanilla and 1/2 tsp peppermint for flavor depth.
- Flour: 2 cups (250g), sifted for airy cookies.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g) for that melt-in-mouth quality.
- Baking powder: 1 tsp to give slight rise.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp to balance flavors.
- Frosting butter: 6 tablespoons (85g), softened.
- Crushed candy cane: 1/4 cup (40g) for festive touch.
Step-by-step guide for flawless cookies
- Mix your dough
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy and light. Add the egg yolk and extracts, then mix in dry ingredients until you get thick dough. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake your cookies
- Shape dough into balls (20g each) and flatten them slightly. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 13-14 minutes until edges set. Let cool completely.
- Make your frosting
- Blend softened butter with powdered sugar, milk, and extracts. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk. Color the frosting if you want, then spread on cooled cookies.
- Add finishing touches
- Sprinkle crushed candy cane on each cookie for holiday flair. Let sit until frosting sets a bit.
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Smart storage tips for freshness
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also make them ahead and add frosting just before serving to maintain their freshness and sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the dough?
- Chilling firms up the butter, helping the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also enhances the flavors and improves texture.
- → How do I make the glaze smooth?
- It's all about consistency—firm enough to stay on the cookies but still spreadable. Tweak it with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- → Can these cookies be frozen?
- Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before glazing. Avoid freezing the glaze.
- → Can I use natural mint extract?
- Peppermint extract works best for these cookies. Natural mint extract can have a milder and different taste.
- → How do I crush the candy canes?
- Place them in a freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin. Aim for medium-sized pieces for texture and decoration.