Peppermint Meltaways
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth!
This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth!
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- frosting:
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
- 2 drops red food coloring optional
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Carbohydrate 70.6730501790123 g
- Cholesterol 305.031250337097 mg
- Fat 115.139802627343 g
- Fiber 0.143999996368786 g
- Protein 1.24852750138571 g
- Saturated Fat 72.8911550805735 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -1/2 dozen. (215g)
- Sodium 819.34850090655 mg
- Sugar 70.5290501826435 g
- Trans Fat 8.05513650889928 g
- Calories 1301 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
- Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are light brown.
- Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Beat in milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring.
- Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth.
- Spread over cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies.
- Store in an airtight container.
My Holiday Tradition: Peppermint Meltaways
The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, a joyful chaos of decorating, shopping, and of course, baking. For me, the scent of peppermint wafting from the oven is as much a part of the season as twinkling lights and carols. It's a tradition I cherish, one passed down from my grandmother, a woman who believed in the power of simple pleasures and the magic of homemade treats. These peppermint meltaways are her recipe, a testament to her love of baking and her knack for creating simple elegance in the kitchen.
The process itself is a comforting ritual. The creamy texture of the butter and sugar, the subtle fragrance of peppermint, the satisfying feel of shaping the dough into perfect little balls. Each step is a mindful moment, a pause in the holiday frenzy where I can connect with my grandmother's memory and the warmth of family traditions. It’s more than just baking; it’s a way to slow down, to appreciate the simple things, and to share a piece of myself with those I love. There’s nothing quite like the joy on their faces when they bite into one of these delicate cookies, their eyes widening at the sweet, minty explosion of flavor that melts away on the tongue.
I love to present these cookies beautifully. A simple plate, a vibrant red and green wrapping, and a festive bow transform them into little edible gifts, perfect for neighbors, friends, and family. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about the care and intention that goes into every aspect of making these meltaways. It’s about spreading cheer and holiday spirit, one delicious cookie at a time.
Beyond the holiday season, these peppermint meltaways are a wonderful treat anytime you crave a little minty sweetness. They’re perfect with a cup of tea on a chilly evening, a delightful addition to a dessert platter, or a simple yet elegant way to brighten someone's day. They are a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and the simplest pleasures can bring immense joy. The recipe is simple, the ingredients readily available, and the result is pure magic – cookies that truly melt in your mouth and warm the heart.
So, this holiday season (or any season!), I encourage you to make your own batch of peppermint meltaways. Experience the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious, and share the warmth of tradition with your loved ones. The time spent baking, the aroma filling your home, and the smiles on the faces of those you share these cookies with – those are the true gifts of the season.
Ingredients: (Detailed ingredient list would be included here in a real blog post.)
Instructions: (Step-by-step instructions with images would enhance a real blog post.)
