Peppermint Meltaways Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Nothing says Christmas like peppermint flavored treats, and peppermint meltaways are the perfect holiday baking item. After one bite you will see where they get their name!

Prep Time2 hrs 10 mins

Cook Time10 mins

Total Time2 hrs 20 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Christmas, Cookie Exchange, cookies, Peppermint, peppermint meltaway cookies

Servings: cookies

Calories: 242kcal

Author: Jennifer Fishkind

Ingredients

Dough

1½ cups all purpose flour
1¼ cups unsalted butter room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar sifted
¾ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp kosher salt
¾ tsp peppermint extract

Frosting

4 cups powdered sugar sifted
4 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
4 tbsp half & half
1 tsp peppermint extract
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium speed, cream together the butter and powdered sugar for 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract and kosher salt. Mix for another 30 seconds until incorporated.
In a small bowl add the cornstarch and all-purpose flour and whisk together to evenly incorporate. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, while mixing on low speed, just until combined.
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon (or 1 ½ inch) cookie scoop, scoop out dough balls and place them onto a plate. Once all the cookie balls are scooped, place the plate into the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350* F.
Once the dough balls are chilled, place them 2 inches apart on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. **You are NOT looking for golden brown here. They should be pale but fully set in the center** Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until all the cookies are baked and cooled.
While your cookies are cooling you can make your frosting. **Remember not to frost your cookies until they are completely cooled**
In a medium sized mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-low speed, beat the butter until fluffy. Add the peppermint extract, half & half and 1 cup of the sifted powdered sugar. Beat on low for another 30 seconds then add the remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time until all the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Using an offset spatula, or a butter knife, frost each cookie making sure to not go all the way to the edge of the cookie. **Be very very careful when handling your cookies to frost them. They are extremely delicate**
Garnish each cookie with a little sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies.

Notes

Storage:

These peppermint meltaway cookies will keep on the counter, in a sealed container, for up to 3 days. I do not recommend stacking these cookies while storing them because of their delicate nature they will crumble very easily.

Tips:

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time you will freeze the uncooked, fully chilled, dough balls in a freezer safe zip top bag for up to 6 months. When you are ready to bake them you will place them on a prepared baking sheet and let them slightly thaw while your oven is preheating. You may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to your bake time.
These cookies have a medium level of peppermint flavor so feel free to add, or cut back on, some of the peppermint extract. You can also change up your flavors for these cookies and add lemon extract in place of the peppermint and these would make a delicious spring or summertime treat.
You can make your frosting ahead of time. You will need to store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When you are ready to use it, make sure to let it some to room temperature and you may need to give it a quick whisk to make sure it is smooth and creamy for use.
During the winter holiday season you can find pre-crushed peppermint candies in the sprinkles section of your grocer or where you would find your specialty cookie decorating supplies. This makes making these cookies even easier. You can also crush up a couple candy canes into very fine pieces.

Nutrition