Description
Delight in the festive flavors of these Peppermint Meltaways Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery cookie base with a hint of peppermint, topped with a smooth peppermint cream cheese frosting and garnished with crushed candy canes for a perfect holiday treat.
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 cookie dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing until fully combined and a soft dough forms.
- Chill and shape the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the frosting: While cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese and salted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Frost and garnish: Once cookies are cooled, frost each cookie generously with the peppermint cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top immediately before the frosting sets to adhere well.
- Serve and store: Allow frosting to set slightly before serving. Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for smooth blending.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, preserving the cookie shape.
- Use sifted powdered sugar in frosting to avoid lumps and achieve a silky texture.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust extract quantities carefully to avoid bitterness.
- These cookies can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before serving.
Keywords: peppermint cookies, meltaway cookies, peppermint meltaways, cream cheese frosting, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies