Peppermint Meltaways

A recipe for a simple, dense mint cookie.

Source: Square Bakery, though I admit to a small change or two.

Yield: 2-3 dozen

I’m a sucker for mint.  Peppermint, spearmint, any kind of mint, I’ll take it.  I’ve been wanting to try this recipe for a while, and the day finally came.  Hooray!  I was a little nervous, because the last time I made meltaways, I actually threw them in the trash.  They were horrendous.   I want so badly for them to be good, though, that I thought it was worth a second look.

This recipe from Jen at Square Bakery looked promising.  The comments showed a little confusion about some aspects of the recipe, and really helped me decide how to make it.  I still don’t think this is my favorite cookie of all time, but it is definitely worthy of eating and sharing.  I’ll share a couple items to consider when you are making it.

My first problem was that my green food coloring completely dried up.  I was supremely disappointed.  But, I figured peppermint can be pink, so I used a couple drops of red coloring instead.  Of course, I also splattered red food coloring on my favorite t-shirt, which is now completely ruined!!  

The next issue is the peppermint extract.  Jen’s original recipe actually calls for peppermint oil.  I opted for extract instead, which I feel pretty good about.  I used 1 1/2 tsp, but I do wish I had used a bit more.  2 or even 3 teaspoons would have been great.  I also didn’t have any cake flour, but the regular flour seemed to work fine.

You might notice that there are no eggs in this recipe.  It makes for a very dense, almost candy-like confection.  They really keep their shape during baking, a shape that looks amazingly similar to balls of play-dough.  I personally prefer to use a glass or jar to smash the cookies a little flat just after they come out of the oven.  Then, I give them a minute or two to rest on the baking sheet before I move them to the cooling rack.  They are kind of cute, all small and flat and pink!

This is a great everyday cookie.  It is simple, not too sweet, and quick to mix up.  I didn’t try this, but I suspect they would be amazing dipped in chocolate!  Maybe next time…

Peppermint Meltaways

 

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Cook time

8 mins

Total time

8 mins

 

A recipe for a simple, dense, minty cookie.

Recipe type: Cookies

Serves: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 drops green (or red) food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2-3 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 2¼ cups flour

Instructions

1. Mix butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
2. Add coloring, vanilla, and extract, and mix.
3. Add salt and flour, and mix just until combined.
4. Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. Use the bottom of a glass or jar to smash cookies flat when they finish baking.

2.2.1

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