Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a cookie that just melts in your mouth? That’s exactly what you get with these peppermint meltaway cookies! They’re like little bites of holiday magic, with a soft, buttery texture that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, the combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint is simply divine! These cookies are a staple in my holiday baking routine, and they always disappear faster than I can put them on the table. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, festive gatherings, or just a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every year! So let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. This is the base of our meltaway texture!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This will give our cookies that lovely sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth feel. Plus, it blends beautifully with the butter!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is what holds everything together. Don’t pack it too tightly in the measuring cup; a light scoop is key!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all those delightful flavors.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: This is where the magic happens! It adds that refreshing peppermint flavor that pairs so well with the white chocolate.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: These little bits give a lovely crunch and extra burst of peppermint in each cookie.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: For that creamy sweetness, these add a rich touch that complements the peppermint perfectly.
How to Prepare Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Alright, let’s get those peppermint meltaway cookies in the oven! It’s super simple and totally rewarding. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so your cookies bake evenly!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is all about getting that light texture, so take your time!
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, salt, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is combined but don’t overdo it—just until you see no more flour!
- Fold in goodies: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Now, scoop the dough and shape it into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space in between for spreading.
- Bake to perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, just until the edges start to turn lightly golden. You want them soft, so don’t overbake!
- Cool and enjoy: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them. This cooling step is crucial—trust me, they’ll be so much easier to handle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These peppermint meltaway cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for those busy holiday baking days!
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery softness paired with the crunch of peppermint candies creates an irresistible cookie that just dissolves on your tongue.
- Festive Flavor: With the refreshing kick of peppermint and the sweetness of white chocolate, they’re a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether at a cookie exchange or a holiday party, these cookies are bound to impress and bring smiles all around!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with different chocolate types or even add in your favorite nuts for a personal touch.
- Great for Making Ahead: You can whip up a batch and store them for later, ensuring you always have a sweet treat on hand when the cravings hit!
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is really softened to room temperature. This helps achieve that creamy, fluffy texture when creaming with the powdered sugar.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky, don’t worry! Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour and other dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off. You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should remain soft.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use good quality peppermint extract and white chocolate chips. It really makes a difference in flavor and enhances that festive vibe!
- Let Them Cool: Be patient and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before diving in. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool, making them easier to handle and even tastier!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful peppermint meltaway cookies. Keep in mind that values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
So, while these cookies are a sweet treat, they’re also a delightful way to celebrate the season without going too overboard. Enjoy responsibly, and share them with friends and family for a true holiday spirit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delicious batch of peppermint meltaway cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep that melt-in-your-mouth goodness fresh! I recommend placing your leftover cookies in an airtight container. This will help maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out. They should stay delicious for up to a week—if they last that long!
If you want to enjoy them a little warm, you can reheat the cookies in the microwave. Just pop one (or two, no judgment here!) on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 5-10 seconds. You want them just warm enough to bring back that lovely, soft texture without making them too hot to handle. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a warm cookie paired with a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day!
For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. You’ll be thrilled to have a sweet treat waiting for you whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of extract?
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is what gives these meltaway cookies their signature flavor, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the peppermint flavor is what really makes these cookies festive!
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
If you find that your cookies spread too much while baking, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping can help. This solidifies the butter, leading to thicker cookies that hold their shape better. Plus, it’s a great way to make handling the dough easier!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and hard to manage, don’t fret! Just sprinkle a little more flour on your hands and the work surface while shaping the balls. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for a bit, which will make it easier to handle.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! These peppermint meltaway cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!
What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
To crush peppermint candies, place them in a sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to gently crush them into smaller pieces. Be careful not to crush them too finely unless you want a powdery texture. I love leaving some chunks for that delightful crunch in every bite!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making these peppermint meltaway cookies? What did you think? Did you add your own twist or keep it classic? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any fun variations you came up with! If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider rating it—your feedback means the world to me. Plus, sharing your experiences helps other home cooks find this delightful treat. Let’s spread the holiday cheer together! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your cookie creations!
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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peppermint meltaway cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth. They are perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the flour, salt, and peppermint extract, and mix until combined.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Use a combination of white and dark chocolate for added flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peppermint meltaway cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats
