If you’re craving a truly festive treat that’s impossibly delicate, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with cool, refreshing flavor, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are about to become your new favorite holiday (or anytime!) bake. These dreamy little bites combine rich, buttery dough laced with peppermint, then get topped with a swirl of creamy frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. I can’t wait for you to try these—once you experience just how blissfully these cookies dissolve on your tongue, you’ll understand why I make them every single winter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that a handful of pantry staples can create pure holiday magic! Each ingredient in Peppermint Meltaway Cookies serves a purpose, ensuring the cookies come out perfectly melt-in-your-mouth and full of cool peppermint flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup for cookies, 2 tbsp for frosting): Gives the cookies their rich, tender texture and forms the creamy base for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup for cookies, 1 1/2 cups for frosting): Dissolves easily for a silky dough and sweet, smooth frosting.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 tsp for cookies, 1/4 tsp for frosting): Infuses every bite with crisp, refreshing mint.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The structure provider—a must for holding everything together without losing tenderness.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Key to that signature “meltaway” texture—don’t skip it!
- Salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances the peppermint’s brightness.
- Milk (2 tbsp, for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect spreadable, creamy consistency for your peppermint topping.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: For that sparkly, crunchy finish and extra punch of peppermint.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets and Oven
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies lift off flawlessly and keeps clean-up minimal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready as soon as your dough is formed.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy, light, and almost marshmallowy. This step creates the pillowy base for these cookies, and the extra air whipped in helps them practically dissolve on your tongue.
Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract
Beat in the peppermint extract. Just a splash will make the whole kitchen smell like a winter wonderland, giving the cookies their signature cool, refreshing twist.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. The cornstarch is what sets Peppermint Meltaway Cookies apart—it lightens the dough for that unforgettable “melts in your mouth” tenderness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed butter mixture, mixing gently until everything is just combined and the dough is smooth. It’ll be soft, so handle it with care. This is where cookie magic is already happening behind the scenes!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them gently into balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart—you don’t want these gems running into each other! Lightly flatten each ball either with your fingers or the bottom of a glass for that classic round shape. Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the edges set and the bottoms are barely golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack—they’re delicate, so patience pays off!
Step 7: Make the Peppermint Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the soft butter, milk, and peppermint extract for the frosting until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is spreadable and lush. This frosting is the crowning glory of your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies!
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Spread a dollop of frosting on each cooled cookie, then sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. The colorful shards on top make every cookie look like it’s dipped in holiday spirit! Allow the frosting to set so they’re easy to handle and serve.
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy gives a classic, sparkly look and pops of extra flavor. For an extra-festive finish, try tinting your frosting with a drop or two of red or pink food coloring—it’s such a joyful detail on any holiday platter!
Side Dishes
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies shine alongside a mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a classic cup of coffee. For dessert spreads, pair them with other holiday cookies like gingerbread men or shortbread for a beautiful, contrasting assortment that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon for adorable edible gifts. Arrange them in a festive tin with parchment layers for holiday cookie exchanges. For parties, stack them on a cake stand and let the frosted, candy-topped beauties steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay super soft for about five days, but honestly, they’re so delicious they rarely last that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to one month. If you want to freeze frosted cookies, flash freeze them first on a tray until solid, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer container to prevent sticking.
Reheating
These treats are delightful straight from the container, but if you want that “just baked” tenderness, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refresh for a minute in a low oven (250°F) if desired before frosting.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter if I don’t have unsalted?
Yes, simply reduce or eliminate the added pinch of salt. The flavor will still be lovely—you might even enjoy the extra depth!
My cookie dough feels very soft. Is that normal?
Absolutely! This dough is meant to be very tender and soft so the finished cookies have that signature meltaway texture. You can briefly chill it if you find it tricky to roll.
Can I make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies without peppermint extract?
If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can substitute vanilla for a classic meltaway, but you’ll lose that cool, minty magic. The peppermint is the star here!
How can I crush peppermint candies easily?
Place candies or candy canes in a zip-top bag and lightly tap them with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even the bottom of a sturdy mug. Aim for small shards, not dust, for the best sparkle!
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! Double for parties or gift-giving, or halve for a smaller batch. The cookies bake up just as beautifully at either scale—just watch your oven time.
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies: Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to turn everyday moments into a celebration or wow your holiday guests, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are sure to be a hit. Their dreamy peppermint flavor and impossibly tender bite make them a joy to bake, share, and, of course, nibble. So gather your ingredients, tap in a bit of holiday spirit, and give these cookies a try—they’re bound to become a beloved part of your festive traditions!
Print
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a buttery, minty flavor that melts in your mouth. The soft cookies are topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Perfect for Christmas or any special occasion!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- pinch of salt
For the frosting:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the peppermint extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat until smooth. The dough will be soft.
- Shape and bake: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat softened butter, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until creamy. Spread on cookies and top with crushed peppermint candy. Allow frosting to set before storing.
Notes
- For a festive touch, tint the frosting with red or pink food coloring.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
