Peppermint Melting Moments
These Peppermint Melting Moments are a perfect addition to your Christmas Cookie Baking List. Fast and easy with a delicate taste of peppermint. Add a creamy frosting, delicious!
I have no idea where the time goes and I still can’t believe it’s December and it’s time to start Christmas Cookie baking.
My mother always started a few weeks before Christmas and Froze her Cookies. Trust me they are just as good as fresh baked. Maybe better?
What are Melting Moment Cookies?
These simple shortbread type cookies, truly melt in your mouth. Made with flour, corn starch, icing sugar and butter, sometimes vanilla but in this case Peppermint extract.
Most times Melting Moments or also known as Meltaways are frosted with a creamy buttercream topping.
How to make Melting Moment Cookies
- In a large bowl cream butter and peppermint extract until fluffy.
- Sift the dry ingredients corn starch, icing sugar and flour directly into the creamed butter and mix until combined, lightly knead to form a dough.
- Refrigerate the dough for an hour.
- Then shape into golf ball size balls, place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
- Flatten slightly and gently with either a fork or a flat bottomed glass (dip in flour first so the dough doesn’t stick).
- Refrigerate about 15 minutes.
- Bake 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
Meltaway Cookies
How to Store and Freeze Melting Moment Cookies
Melting Moment Cookies should be stored at room temperature in a single layer in an airtight container. They will last up to 7 days.
These cookies can either be frozen unbaked or baked. Freeze unbaked cookie balls on a cookie sheet (make sure they aren’t touching), once frozen transfer to an airtight container or freezer bags.
Baked cookies should be frozen in single layers divided by parchment paper. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags.
These cookies will last up to 3 months in the freezer. I would recommend freezing these cookies without the frosting. Frost and decorate cookies when thawed.
Thaw unbaked cookies at room temperature, then flatten and bake.
More Christmas Cookies to Make
- Italian Almond Cookies
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies
- Canestrelli Italian Cookies
- Easy Chocolate Chip Whipped Shortbread
- Almond Crescent Cookies
- Chocolate Almond Biscotti
So if you have started baking or looking for something to add to your list, I hope you give these Peppermint Melting Moments a try! Enjoy and Happy Baking!
Peppermint Melting Moments Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
MELTING MOMENTS COOKIES
- ¾ cup butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup icing / powdered sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup corn starch
- 1 pinch salt ( if you use unsalted butter then add ¼ teaspoon of salt)
PEPPERMINT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup cream whole / whipping / heavy
- 2 cups icing / powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2-3 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or candy cane
Instructions
MELTING MOMENT COOKIES
- In a large bowl cream butter and peppermint extract until fluffy. Sift the dry ingredients (remaining ingredients) directly into bowl and mix until combined.
- Move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead together, form into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate one hour.
- Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove dough from the fridge and roll into golf ball size balls, place on prepared cookie sheets about 1½ inches apart. Lightly flatten with a fork or a flat bottomed glass,(dip in flour first so the dough doesn't stick). Refrigerate for 15 minutes then bake for approximately 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden (do not over bake).
- Let cool completely before frosting and sprinkling with crushed peppermint candies. Enjoy!
PEPPERMINT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
- Beat butter, cream, icing sugar and peppermint extract until creamy. (if too thick add a little cream at a time, if too thin add more icing sugar).
Notes
How to Store and Freeze Melting Moment Cookies
Melting Moment Cookies should be stored at room temperature in a single layer in an airtight container. They will last up to 7 days. These cookies can either be frozen unbaked or baked. Freeze unbaked cookie balls on a cookie sheet (make sure they aren’t touching), once frozen transfer to an airtight container or freezer bags. Baked cookies should be frozen in single layers divided by parchment paper. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bags. These cookies will last up to 3 months in the freezer. I would recommend freezing these cookies without the frosting. Frost and decorate cookies when thawed.Nutrition
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- TERRI AT OUR GOOD LIFE – Peppermint Milk Punch
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- LAUREN AT MOM HOME GUIDE – Homemade Peppermint Patties
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Should I use salted butter?
Hi Kori, you can use either, I use salted because I can’t find unsalted in Italy. But if you use unsalted then add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. I hope you enjoy them. Take care!
Could you adapt to be gluten free?
Hi Stacey, I have never made these gluten free but if you try let me know. Take care!
I am so making these for our cookie exchange. Can’t wait to try them!
Hi Carole, thanks so much, I hope you enjoy them. Take care!
I don’t like the taste of peppermint extract so I used crushed peppermint candy instead, 1/4 cup. I didn’t do the frosting, instead used red melting chocolate. Dipped a quarter of the cookie and then dipped in crushed peppermints. Biggest hit from my Christmas cookies this past year and most requested cookie at work.
Hi Debbie, thanks so much, good idea you had. Take care and have a great week!
Is the whole/whipping cream in the frosting heavy cream?
Hi Shanna, yes it is the same, so many different names for so many products. 🙂
These beauties are now an addition to my annual Christmas cookie baking list! Though I doubled the recipe, I followed it as written and the cookies came out of the oven perfect! The peppermint flavor is not overpowering and the cookie is just as the title suggests…a delicate and delicious melting moment! Thank you for the great recipe!
Thanks so much Alicia, so glad you like the recipe. Merry Christmas!
I’m not a fan of frosting, what about putting the crushed candy in the dough? Maybe a drop or two of red food coloring?
Hi Amy, sure you could add the chopped peppermint at the end when the dough is almost combined and gently knead it in, or maybe better sprinkle it on top before baking. Let me know how it goes.
These look so good and I love that they can be frozen! You just made my yearly Christmas cookie odyssey yummier AND easier!! Grazie!
Hi Satrina, thanks so much, I hope you enjoy them. Prego!
Happy holidays! These look delicious!
Hi Lauren, thanks so much and Happy Holidays to you too!
These look so good! I love peppermint anything 💖
Hi Kelly thanks so much, I do too! 🙂