Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Sifted Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Peppermint Extract
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) Cornstarch (Cornflour)
  • 1/4 tsp (1 g) Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 cup (120 g) Powdered Sugar, for coating
  • 2 Tbsp (30 g) Crushed Candy Canes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar on medium speed until light, fluffy, and visibly paler (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the sides.
  2. Add Extracts: Incorporate the peppermint and vanilla extracts, mixing until just combined.
  3. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  4. Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture on the lowest speed. Mix only until the dough just comes together and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  5. Chill: Form the dough into a cohesive disc, wrap tightly in cling film, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes. This prevents spreading and ensures optimal texture.
  6. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop and Roll: Scoop the chilled dough or roll into uniform 1-inch balls. Place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them. Do not flatten.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should look dry and set, but the cookies should still be pale white/very lightly golden on the bottom. Do not overbake.
  9. First Hot Roll: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently roll them one by one in the reserved bowl of powdered sugar. Place coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely—about 30 minutes—before the second roll.
  11. Second Cold Roll: Once completely cool, roll the cookies in the powdered sugar again. This second coating gives them that thick, matte, snowdrift appearance.
  12. Garnish (Optional): Lightly press crushed candy canes or a dusting of extra sugar onto the surface of the finished Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.