If you’re searching for a treat that sparkles with holiday spirit and literally melts on your tongue, Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are bound to become your new baking obsession. These dainty, buttery cookies deliver an irresistible peppermint punch and a snowy, delicate crumb that simply dissolves into bliss. Topped with airy peppermint frosting and flecked with crushed candies, they look as festive as they taste. Whether you’re baking for a cookie platter, a cozy night in, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies have the power to spread cheer with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple, familiar ingredients come together to create the dreamy texture and sparkling flavor of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. Each component plays a special role, lending its own touch to the cookies’ classic softness, silkiness, and bright finish.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of meltaway texture; use it softened for creaming and that signature tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into the dough and frosting, ensuring a fine, light sweetness without any graininess.
- Peppermint extract: Just the right amount adds the cool, vibrant flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the dough enough body to hold together while keeping things soft and delicate.
- Cornstarch: The secret to ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies—don’t skip it!
- Additional unsalted butter (for frosting): Helps make the frosting luxuriously creamy; soften it for best results.
- More powdered sugar (for frosting): Provides structure and sweetness to the topping.
- Milk: Loosens the frosting to a perfect spreadable consistency—add a spoonful at a time.
- Crushed peppermint candies: For an eye-catching and crunchy garnish, plus extra peppermint sparkle in every bite.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Don’t rush: you want the mixture to become light and fluffy, which creates that coveted airy texture in the finished cookies. Pausing midway to scrape down the sides ensures even mixing and a uniform base for irresistible Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
Step 2: Add Peppermint Extract
With the mixer on low, blend in the peppermint extract. This is where the magic happens! Just a little transforms the dough into something cool and aromatic, hinting at the festive treats to come.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until fully blended. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Expect the dough to be smooth—a little sticky is completely normal for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Dough
Scoop up tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and gently roll each into a ball. Arrange them about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a gentle flatten with the bottom of a glass or your fingers—just enough to create a smooth surface ready for frosting!
Step 5: Bake
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch carefully: you want the bottoms to turn just barely golden while the tops remain pale and delicate. Let the cookies cool completely on the tray so they stay intact. This patience pays off with perfect Peppermint Meltaway Cookies every time.
Step 6: Frost and Garnish
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Blend until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Once your cookies are cool, generously frost each one and sprinkle immediately with crushed peppermint candies for that sparkling look and extra festive crunch.
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
Garnishes
For a classic finish, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies delivers color and a hint of crunch. You can also drizzle a touch of white chocolate or add a few festive sugar pearls to make your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies party-ready and extra charming on any dessert tray.
Side Dishes
While these cookies can absolutely stand on their own, they pair beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate, a peppermint latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a dessert spread, place them alongside chocolate truffles, sugar cookies, or spiced nuts to create a balanced sampler with something for everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the frosted cookies on a vintage plate or a sparkling silver platter for a nostalgic holiday touch. For gifting, layer them between sheets of wax paper in a festive tin or clear cellophane bag tied with a satin ribbon. If you want to impress at a cookie swap, stack Peppermint Meltaway Cookies into a towering centerpiece or serve on a tiered tray for that eye-catching wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because they’re so delicate, store Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in a single layer or separated by wax paper in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for up to 4 days to preserve their freshness and texture.
Freezing
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze, layer the unfrosted cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and garnish before serving for best results. You can also freeze them fully frosted, but be sure to separate each layer to avoid sticking.
Reheating
Since these cookies are meant to be soft and tender, there’s no need to reheat them. If you’d like to serve them warm, let the cookies sit at room temperature for a bit after removing from the fridge or freezer. Avoid the microwave or oven to maintain their classic meltaway texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter if I don’t have unsalted?
You can use salted butter in a pinch, though it may add a hint of saltiness to your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. If you do, simply omit any added salt in the recipe to keep the flavors balanced.
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling?
These cookies are naturally tender, so handle them gently and let them cool completely before moving or frosting. Using wax paper between layers when storing helps them stay in perfect shape.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Double all the ingredients for twice the cookies. Make sure to bake in batches and give the dough balls enough space on the pan so they bake evenly and keep their shape.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you can’t find peppermint extract, you can substitute with another mint extract, though the flavor may be slightly different. Peppermint oil is also an option—just use less, as it’s much more concentrated.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The cookies should still hold together and melt in your mouth, though texture may vary depending on the blend you use.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies as irresistible and joyful as I do. With their bright flavor, festive look, and dreamy texture, they’re a true treat for both holiday tables and everyday sweet cravings. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and let these cookies bring an extra sprinkle of magic to your celebrations!
Print
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing hint of peppermint. The soft cookies are topped with a sweet peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Frosting:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar. Add peppermint extract, then gradually mix in the flour and cornstarch until a dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls, place on baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the pan.
- Prepare the frosting: Cream butter, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Frost the cookies: Frost the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
Notes
- Handle these delicate cookies with care.
- Store in a single layer or with wax paper between layers.
- Perfect for gifting and holiday trays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
