The moment you pop a Peppermint Meltaway into your mouth, it’s like Christmas morning wrapped in a sweet little bite. The creamy texture melts away, leaving behind a refreshing hint of peppermint that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, reminiscent of candy canes and cozy fireside chats with loved ones.
These delightful treats are perfect for the holiday season or any occasion when you want to bring a smile to someone’s face. I still remember the first time I made these meltaways; my family couldn’t stop raving about them, and they disappeared faster than I could say “peppermint.” You’ll be counting down the minutes until they’re ready, and trust me, the flavor experience is nothing short of magical.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Peppermint Meltaways are quick to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their rich, creamy texture paired with fresh peppermint makes them an instant favorite
- Visually appealing, they can easily be decorated for any occasion
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home during the festive season
I remember making these Peppermint Meltaways for a holiday party; everyone was asking for the recipe by the end of the night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter ensures easy mixing and a fluffy texture for the meltaways. Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff.
- Powdered Sugar: For that perfect sweetness without compromising texture; sift it for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind everything together while keeping them light and tender.
- Cornstarch: A secret ingredient that adds that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all crave.
- Peppermint Extract: Use pure extract for an authentic flavor; it’s what gives these treats their signature taste.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a rich contrast to the minty flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
- Crushed Candy Canes: These add both festive crunch and an extra kick of peppermint flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking.
Create The Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together room temperature butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. The dough may seem crumbly at first but will come together beautifully—trust me!
Incorporate Peppermint Flavor: Gently fold in peppermint extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step is essential; don’t skimp on that refreshing minty goodness.
Scoop And Shape: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
Bake To Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they’re just set but not browned—keep an eye on them! The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.
Coat With Chocolate And Candy Canes: Once cooled slightly, dip each meltaway into melted chocolate chips before sprinkling crushed candy canes on top. Let them set on parchment paper until firm.
Enjoy these delightful bites as part of your holiday celebrations or simply when you need a sugary pep talk!
You Must Know
- Peppermint Meltaways are delightful treats that dissolve in your mouth
- They offer a perfect balance of refreshing mint and creamy chocolate
- Customize the shape for special occasions, making them festive and fun
- The aroma during preparation is pure holiday magic!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the best Peppermint Meltaways, chill your dough before rolling it into balls. Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake This helps maintain their shape while baking and ensures a smooth texture. Easy Cinnamon Rolls. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts like almond or orange instead of peppermint. You can also dip them in white or dark chocolate for a twist on the classic flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. They don’t typically need reheating; enjoy them straight from the container!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped meltaways, use a small cookie scoop to portion dough evenly
- Refrigerate the melted chocolate before dipping to avoid messy drips
- Lastly, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top right after dipping for extra flair!
Sharing these meltaways with friends always brings laughter; last time, my friend mistook them for regular cookies and was delightfully surprised by the burst of minty freshness! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Banana Bread Cookies recipe.
FAQ
How long do Peppermint Meltaways last?
They can last up to two weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaways?
Yes, they freeze well! Just store them in a freezer-safe container.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute it with vanilla extract or any other favorite flavor!
Peppermint Meltaways
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 meltaways 1x
Description
Peppermint Meltaways are the ultimate holiday treat, offering a delightful fusion of creamy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. With each meltaway, you’ll experience a burst of festive joy, reminiscent of cozy winter nights and cheerful celebrations. These bite-sized wonders are not only easy to make but also perfect for gifting or indulging at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistibly sweet delights that dissolve in your mouth!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Gradually mix in flour, cornstarch, and salt until combined; the dough will be crumbly.
- Fold in peppermint extract evenly throughout the dough.
- Form dough into one-inch balls and place them two inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Once slightly cooled, dip each meltaway into melted chocolate chips and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let them set on parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meltaway (20g)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Chill the dough before rolling for better shape retention while baking. Experiment with flavored extracts or different types of chocolate for unique twists.