Description
Peppermint Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies infused with peppermint extract and topped with a smooth cream cheese peppermint frosting, garnished with crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a refreshing minty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppermint Meltaways:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until well blended; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract for flavor.
- Mix dough: Gradually add the flour and cornstarch mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, combining thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate the dough for one hour to chill and firm up.
- Preheat oven and shape dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them spaced 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and salted butter until creamy and smooth. Add peppermint extract, then gradually beat in sifted powdered sugar until well combined and fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Spread or pipe the peppermint cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive and crunchy garnish.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the dough well to maintain shape during baking.
- Use sifted powdered sugar to ensure a smooth frosting texture without lumps.
- Crushed candy canes add extra peppermint flavor and a nice crunch but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Allow frosting to soften slightly at room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
