Okay, fellow comfort seekers! You know those days when you just need a little something sweet? A little bit of cozy in every bite? That’s where these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies come in. Seriously, these little guys are like a warm hug on a plate. They’re soft, they’re minty, and they practically melt in your mouth.
I remember the first time I made Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. It was right before Christmas, and the kids were bouncing off the walls with excitement. I wanted to bake something special, something that would fill the house with that classic holiday scent. I stumbled upon a recipe online, and while the first batch was… well, let’s just say they weren’t winning any beauty contests, the taste was undeniable. My family devoured them! That’s when I knew I had a winner.
What makes these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies a comfort food win? It’s the simplicity! They don’t require a million ingredients or fancy techniques. Just a few basics, a little bit of love, and you’ve got yourself a batch of pure happiness. My husband loves Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected the recipe to make it even more family-friendly (and mom-friendly!). I’ve learned a few tricks to make them extra soft, extra minty, and extra delicious.
So, if you’re a busy mom like me, looking for a sanity-saving treat that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking some Peppermint Meltaway Cookies!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients for these dreamy Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet, because we busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is the foundation of our meltaway magic!
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Trust me, this is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This gives the cookies that delicate, almost ethereal quality.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Adds that refreshing minty kick.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: For that festive look and extra peppermint punch.
Now, here’s a Peppermint Meltaway Cookies comfort hack that changed our family’s holiday baking game: if you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use a drop or two of peppermint essential oil (food grade, of course!). Just be careful, a little goes a long way!
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive!
My family gets extra comfort when I add a tablespoon of milk to the batter – it makes the cookies even softer. It’s my little secret weapon! Don’t forget to grab those peppermint candies. Crushing them can be a fun activity to do with the kids. It will be great fun making the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get down to business and bake some Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step, just like we’re in the kitchen together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a hand mixer works just as well. You could even do it by hand if you need a little arm workout.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and powdered sugar, beating until light and airy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. While that’s happening, perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. I like to use a cookie scoop to ensure that all the cookies are the same size. The kids will be excited about the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies looks slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to set up as they cool.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart.
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently press the crushed peppermint candies into the tops. This is where the magic happens! It makes the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies extra special.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies – I would always overbake them! Now I know that a slightly underbaked cookie is a happy cookie.
In my busy kitchen, this comforting Peppermint Meltaway Cookies recipe usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. While your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Baking Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can also be an exciting family bonding experience.
How We Love to Eat This!
So, how do we devour these delightful Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in my house? Let me tell you!
The kids devour this comforting Peppermint Meltaway Cookies when I serve them with a tall glass of cold milk. It’s the perfect combination! My husband loves them with a cup of hot coffee or tea. And me? I sneak one (or two!) whenever I need a little pick-me-up.
This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! They’re also a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and school bake sales.
For presentation, I like to arrange the cookies on a pretty plate or in a festive tin. You can also sprinkle a little extra crushed peppermint on top for a touch of elegance.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Here’s a seasonal variation we love: in the summertime, we replace the peppermint extract with lemon extract and add a sprinkle of lemon zest. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic! Making Peppermint Meltaway Cookies will become a treasured family tradition.
Friends and family always rave about these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. They’re always the first to disappear at any gathering.
For kid-approved side dishes, think fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a small scoop of ice cream. It’s all about balance, right?
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. I’m here to help!
While these are cookies, they do contain butter, cream cheese, and flour, which provide some substance. However, I usually serve them as part of a balanced snack or dessert, along with fruit or yogurt.
Ah, the picky eater challenge! My advice? Start small. Offer them just a tiny bite. If they still refuse, don’t force it. Maybe they’ll be more open to trying them another time.
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Or, you can bake the cookies and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Yes, you can! Just be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly. Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can be a treat for all.
Of course! Vanilla, almond, or even orange extract would be delicious in these cookies.
This could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter and cream cheese are not too soft. Also, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. You can learn from my experience with Peppermint Meltaway Cookies and the recipe!
While they wouldn’t be traditional Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, adding chocolate chips would definitely be delicious! Just be sure to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
I hope these answers help! Remember, baking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to make these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies your own!
Final Thoughts:
So there you have it! My go-to recipe for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies that always brings a little bit of sunshine to our cozy chaos. This recipe truly supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Don’t overmix the dough!
- Slightly underbake the cookies.
- Press the peppermint candies into the cookies while they’re still warm.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Peppermint: Replace the peppermint extract with lemon extract and add a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Double Peppermint: Use both peppermint extract and peppermint candies.
My son loves the chocolate peppermint version, my daughter prefers the classic, and my husband is a fan of the lemon peppermint. Me? I love them all!
Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love. So, pour your heart into these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies and make them your own. Baking these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies reminds me of Halloween Crinkle Cookies.
I hope your family enjoys these cookies as much as mine does. May your kitchen be filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet smell of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! To explore similar recipes, consider checking out Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out lemon glazed zucchini cookies.
Go ahead, give these comforting Peppermint Meltaway Cookies a try! You won’t regret it! A similar type of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies can be found here Peppermint Meltaway Cookies – Creme De La Crumb. You can even join this group to share your cookies Peppermint sugar cookies for holiday cookie trays. If you want to try a slightly different style of this cookies, check this out Peppermint Meltaways – Cookies for Days. You’ve got this, mama! You are going to bake up the perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies!
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Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are incredibly soft and melt in your mouth, with a refreshing peppermint flavor perfect for the holidays. A simple powdered sugar coating adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the peppermint extract and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the crushed peppermint candies.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate after coating them in powdered sugar.