Winter’s crisp air fills my home with festive smells. My family loves the peppermint meltaways every year. They’re buttery and minty, melting in your mouth.
Making these christmas meltaway cookies is special. It’s a time to be with family and enjoy the season. They’re perfect with hot cocoa or as gifts, spreading joy everywhere.
Why These Peppermint Meltaways Will Become Your Holiday Favorite
As the holiday season comes, we all look for the best cookie recipe. The Peppermint Meltaways are perfect. They are easy to make and taste amazing.
The Magic of Butter-Based Holiday Cookies
Peppermint Meltaways are special because they are made with butter. This makes them rich and delicious. They are the perfect treat during the holidays.
What Makes These Cookies Special
- Peppermint-infused flavor profile, perfect for the holiday season
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that delights the senses
- Straightforward preparation process, making them an easy and quick holiday recipe
- Versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or as part of a festive cookie platter
Peppermint Meltaways are a holiday must-have. They have a great taste, soft texture, and are easy to make. They will make your holiday celebrations even better.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Christmas Meltaway Cookies
Creating the ultimate holiday treat is all about the right mix of ingredients. For christmas meltaway cookies and peppermint meltaways christmas cookies, you need butter, powdered sugar, flour, cornstarch, and peppermint extract. Each one is crucial for the perfect taste and texture.
Butter is the base, making the cookies creamy and soft. The better the butter, the better the cookies. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and makes the cookies crumbly.
Flour gives the cookies shape and structure. Cornstarch makes them melt in your mouth. Peppermint extract adds a refreshing flavor that goes well with the butter.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Butter | Provides rich, creamy base and melts-in-your-mouth texture |
| Powdered Sugar | Sweetens the dough and contributes to the delicate, crumbly texture |
| All-Purpose Flour | Gives the cookies structure and shape |
| Cornstarch | Helps create the signature melt-away feel |
| Peppermint Extract | Infuses the cookies with a refreshing, festive flavor |
Choosing and mixing these ingredients right will help you make christmas meltaway cookies and peppermint meltaways christmas cookies. They will amaze your taste buds and become a holiday favorite.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
For baking classic spritz cookies or Christmas treats, the right tools matter a lot. You’ll need both essential baking items and some optional gadgets. Let’s look at what you need for your holiday cookie-making.
Must-Have Baking Essentials
- Large mixing bowls for combining your cookie dough ingredients
- Hand mixer or stand mixer for effortlessly whipping up the batter
- Baking sheets or cookie sheets for shaping and baking the cookies
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats to line your baking sheets
- Spatula or cookie dough scoop for portioning and transferring the dough
Optional but Helpful Tools
While the basics are important, some extra tools can make baking fun:
- Cookie press for effortlessly creating the classic spritz cookie shape
- Piping bags and tips for decorative frosting and drizzling
- Cooling racks to allow your freshly baked cookies to cool completely
- Food coloring or peppermint extract for adding festive flair
Measuring Equipment
Accurate measurement is key in baking. Make sure you have these tools:
- Measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients
- Measuring spoons for precise portioning of spices and extracts
- Digital scale for weighing ingredients like flour and sugar
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make your classic spritz cookies and holiday treats with ease.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making peppermint meltaways Christmas cookies is fun. It’s all about mixing right. I’ll show you how to make easy good Christmas cookies perfectly.
- First, mix butter and sugar in a big bowl until it’s fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Then, add an egg and peppermint extract. Mix until it’s all together.
- Now, mix flour, cornstarch, and salt in another bowl. Slowly add this mix to the wet stuff. Stop when it’s just a soft dough.
- Finally, add crushed peppermint candy. Mix gently so you don’t overdo it.
- Wrap the dough and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Or up to 3 days.
These steps make a dough that’s easy to shape. It’s important to mix gently. This keeps the dough soft and the peppermint flavor spread out.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Crushed peppermint candy | 1/2 cup |
The Secret to Achieving the Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
To get the melt-in-your-mouth texture of christmas meltaway cookies, you need to know a few secrets. Temperature control and mixing techniques are key. Let’s explore how to make your cookies tender and delicate.
Temperature Control Tips
The temperature of your ingredients is very important. Make sure your butter is soft before you start. Cold butter makes cookies dense and tough.
Also, don’t let the dough get too hot. This can make the butter melt and the cookies greasy.
Proper Mixing Techniques
Mixing gently is the secret to soft cookies. Overmixing can make the dough tough. So, mix just until everything is combined.
Chilling Time Importance
- Chilling the dough is very important for the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- It lets the butter firm up, keeping the cookies’ shape.
- Chilling also helps the flavors mix and the dough to get better.
By controlling temperature, mixing gently, and chilling the dough, you’ll make amazing christmas meltaway cookies. Your guests will love them.
Baking Tips for Consistent Results
As an experienced baker, I’ve learned a few key tips. These tips help make peppermint meltaway cookies delicious and perfect. Let’s explore how to bake these festive treats with confidence.
Oven Temperature Control
Getting the oven temperature right is very important. Make sure your oven is set correctly and stays steady. Use an oven thermometer to check if your oven’s temperature is correct.
Proper Baking Sheet Placement
When baking, it’s important to leave enough space. Place the cookie dough balls far apart on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from sticking together.
Visual Doneness Cues
- Look for a delicate, crackled look on the surface.
- The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers soft.
- Don’t overbake, as it can make the cookies dry.
| Baking Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Consistent Oven Temperature | Ensures even baking and prevents over or underbaking |
| Proper Baking Sheet Spacing | Allows for even heat distribution and prevents cookies from spreading into each other |
| Monitoring Visual Doneness Cues | Helps achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture without overbaking |
Follow these tips to bake perfect peppermint meltaways. They will impress your holiday guests. Enjoy baking and relish the tasty results!
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Peppermint Meltaways: Buttery Holiday Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the flavoring: Mix in the peppermint extract until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Shape and bake: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with your palm. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Add the garnish: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top while they’re still warm.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Creating the Perfect Peppermint Frosting
Decorating your christmas meltaway cookies with peppermint frosting is a must. It makes the cookies creamy and minty. It also adds a festive touch that everyone loves.
Let’s learn how to make the best peppermint frosting for your gnome cookies with strawberries and other treats.
Frosting Consistency Guidelines
The frosting should be smooth and easy to spread. It should be like softened butter. This makes it perfect for decorating.
Start by whipping the butter until it’s fluffy. Then add powdered sugar slowly. Make sure it’s well mixed.
After that, add peppermint extract. You can adjust how much you add to get the right mint flavor.
Decorating Techniques
Now that the frosting is ready, it’s time to decorate. Use a piping bag and different tips to make fun designs. Try swirling the frosting or making peaks and valleys.
For something special, pipe tiny dots or rosettes around the cookies. Or use a star tip for snowflake patterns. You can even make gnome cookies with strawberries out of frosting.
Make sure the frosting is a bit firm. This helps it hold its shape and look clean. Have fun decorating your cookies with this tasty frosting.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Keeping your christmas meltaway cookies fresh is key. Here are tips to keep them perfect:
First, store them right. Cool your good christmas desserts down. Then, put them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and fresh.
- Keep them at room temperature, away from sunlight or heat.
- If you’ve added toppings, use parchment paper to stop sticking.
- Eat them within 3-5 days for the best taste.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them. Unfrosted cookies can last 3 months in the freezer. Put them on a baking sheet, then in a container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Follow these tips to keep your christmas meltaway cookies fresh. They’ll stay delicious and perfect for the holiday season.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Preparation is key for holiday baking. These peppermint meltaways can be made ahead. This lets you start early and enjoy the season without stress.
To make the dough ahead, follow the recipe until the chilling step. Then, divide it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Freeze it until you’re ready to bake.
For pre-baked cookies, cool them completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze. Then, put them in an airtight container or bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.
When you want to eat them, thaw them at room temperature for 30 minutes. They’ll taste as good as when you first baked them.
| Preparation Method | Freezing Instructions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Dough | Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze | Up to 3 months |
| Baked Cookies | Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or bag | Up to 3 months |
Use these tips to enjoy peppermint meltaways all holiday season. Happy holidays!
Festive Packaging Ideas for Holiday Gifting
As the holiday season comes, making treats like my Peppermint Meltaways is more fun. Presenting these treats nicely can make your gifts special. Let’s look at some creative ways to package your holiday treats.
Creative Presentation Options
Make your gifts stand out with these presentation ideas:
- Elegant glass jars or mason jars with festive ribbons, bows, or custom labels
- Rustic wooden boxes or trays with parchment paper and a personal touch
- Classic holiday tins in bright red, green, or gold
- Charming custom-printed gift boxes or bakery-style pastry boxes
- Whimsical holiday-themed ceramic or porcelain dishes
Cookie Box Assembly Tips
For a neat and professional look, follow these tips:
- Line the box with parchment paper or festive tissue paper for a clean base.
- Place the cookies in neat rows, leaving space for a nice display.
- Add things like sprigs of greenery, candy canes, or a personalized tag.
- Finish with a clear cellophane topper or a decorative ribbon.
With these festive packaging ideas, your homemade Peppermint Meltaways will make great holiday gifts. They will surely bring joy to your loved ones.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Classic peppermint meltaway cookies are loved during the holidays. But, I found some tasty changes to try. My melt-in-your-mouth eggnog cookies are a creamy, festive treat. They mix the rich eggnog flavor with buttery dough for a special taste.
Love classic spritz cookies? You can make peppermint meltaway cookies like them. Just adjust the dough and use a cookie press. This way, you get pretty, peppermint-flavored spritz cookies.
Trying these flavor changes lets you please different tastes and grow your holiday baking. Whether you choose peppermint, eggnog, or spritz cookies, these treats will be a hit. They’ll make your holiday baking even more special.
