Description
Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint extract and topped with a creamy peppermint cream cheese frosting. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are garnished with crushed candy canes, making them perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a festive, minty dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Crushed candy canes for garnish
Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz.), softened
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peppermint extract and mix well to combine the flavors.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Make the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and peppermint extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of peppermint cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosted cookies for a festive, crunchy finish. Refrigerate the cookies for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use cornstarch to help create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container refrigerated to keep the frosting fresh.
- Allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Crushed candy canes can be substituted with peppermint sprinkles if preferred.
