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I've spent years perfecting these peppermint meltaway cookies and they truly live up to their name melting like snowflakes on your tongue. The magic happens when the buttery soft cookie meets that sweet peppermint glaze and every bite brings you right into the heart of the holiday season. When I make these my kitchen fills with the most wonderful minty aroma and somehow they never last long enough.
Why You Need These in Your Life
Every time I share these cookies people can't believe how they just dissolve in their mouths. The texture is unlike anything else tender buttery and perfectly sweet. I love how quick they are to make no waiting around for dough to chill. They've become my go to for cookie swaps and holiday gifts because they freeze beautifully and always get rave reviews.
Everything You Need
- Butter (1 cup/222g): I always use softened salted butter it gives the best flavor but unsalted works too just add a pinch more salt.
- Powdered Sugar (1 1/4 cup/137g): This is key for that meltaway magic.
- Egg (1 large): Brings everything together perfectly.
- Peppermint Bakery Emulsion (1 tsp): My secret weapon for the best flavor but extract works in a pinch.
- Cake Flour (2 1/2 cups/295g): Trust me this makes them extra tender.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Just enough lift to make them perfect.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Makes all the flavors pop.
- Vanilla Glaze: A mix of butter shortening (if you want) powdered sugar milk and clear vanilla.
- Red Food Coloring: Just a touch for that festive pink.
- Bob's Sweet Stripes Peppermints (1/4 cup/42g): These crush beautifully no tooth breakers here!
Let's Make Some Magic
- Get Started
- First things first warm up your oven to 350°F and line your cookie sheet I always use parchment it makes cleanup so easy.
- Mix the Base
- Cream your butter powdered sugar and egg until it's smooth and dreamy. Add that peppermint emulsion it makes all the difference.
- Add the Dry Team
- Mix in your cake flour baking powder and salt. The dough will be sticky but don't worry let it rest for 5 minutes it'll behave better.
- Shape with Love
- Roll small balls about 1/2 tablespoon each they'll spread into perfect little clouds.
- Bake to Perfection
- Watch for that moment when they look just set on top usually 7-9 minutes is perfect.
- Make it Pretty
- While they're warm whip up that glaze butter and powdered sugar first then milk and vanilla. A tiny drop of red makes the prettiest pink.
- The Final Touch
- Dip or brush with glaze then quickly sprinkle with those crushed peppermints before it sets.
My Best Cookie Secrets
Let that dough rest trust me it makes rolling so much easier and no chilling needed! I always use those soft peppermints they crush into the perfect sized pieces. Clear vanilla keeps the glaze looking pristine and just a tiny bit of food coloring goes a long way. Work quickly when you're adding the peppermint bits they need to stick while the glaze is wet.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay perfect in an airtight container for about 3 days though they rarely last that long in my house! If you want to get ahead they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months just thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I switch things up with different extracts almond is lovely! You can play with the glaze colors too green for Christmas or pastels for spring. My kids love when I use rainbow sprinkles instead of peppermint and a drizzle of chocolate never hurts if you're feeling extra fancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is peppermint bakery emulsion?
Peppermint bakery emulsion is a concentrated flavoring that's oil-based rather than alcohol-based like extracts. You can substitute regular peppermint extract if you can't find the emulsion.
- → Why does the dough need to rest?
Resting the dough for 5 minutes allows the flour to hydrate and makes the sticky dough easier to handle when rolling into balls. This step helps achieve the right texture in the final cookie.
- → Why add shortening to the glaze?
The vegetable shortening helps the icing crust and harden on the outside of the cookie. While optional, it creates a better texture for the finished glaze.
- → Can I make these cookies ahead?
Yes, these cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. The glazed cookies will stay fresh for about 5-7 days at room temperature.
- → Why use cake flour instead of regular flour?
Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, resulting in a more delicate, tender cookie that truly melts in your mouth. This is key to achieving the signature meltaway texture.