If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a gentle winter hug, soft and buttery with a refreshing hint of cool mint, then these **Peppermint Meltaways** will be your new favorite treat. Delicately tender and melting right on your tongue, these little bites of joy combine the creamy smoothness of butter with just the right touch of peppermint to brighten your day. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply want a cozy, sweet snack, Peppermint Meltaways bring comfort and festive cheer in every crumb.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peppermint Meltaways lies in how simple yet thoughtful the ingredients are — each one plays a key role in delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture and seasonal minty glow.

1 cup butter softened: This gives your cookies a rich, tender crumb that practically dissolves with a bite.
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create that silky finish in the dough.
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star flavor that infuses the cookies with their refreshing peppermint twist.
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and light.
1/2 cup cornstarch: A secret to that extra meltaway softness and tender texture.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
For the frosting: 2 tablespoons butter softened — adds creamy richness for spreading.
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting beautifully, creating a smooth canvas.
2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting to the perfect consistency for spreading or piping.
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: Echoes the minty goodness from the cookie into the frosting.
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional): Gives your frosting a festive rosy tint.
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish: Adds both color and a delightful crunch on top.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, giving your cookies that light and delicate texture. Once your butter and sugar are nicely creamed, mix in the peppermint extract to distribute that lovely mint aroma throughout the dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the perfect balance of structure and tenderness. Gradually add this to your creamed butter mixture, mixing just until combined—overworking the dough can make your cookies tough, so handle with care!

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Covering and chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes is a key step for shaping ease and to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This small pause will pay off by ensuring perfectly round, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. This spacing is important to give your cookies room to bake evenly and maintain their delicate shape. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool

Once baked, transfer the cookies immediately to wire racks and let them cool completely. This cooling time is when the cookies finish setting into their signature meltaway texture.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

Using a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar and milk. Stir in the peppermint extract and red food coloring if you want a festive touch. Beat everything until smooth and spreadable — this frosting will add a luscious, minty layer that turns these cookies into irresistible delights.

Step 7: Decorate and Garnish

Spread the frosting over each cooled cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. The candies add a pop of color and a pleasant crunchy contrast to the soft cookies. Allow the frosting to set for a little while before indulging.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways

Garnishes

Besides the crushed peppermint candies, you can add a dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar for a snow-dusted effect or even tiny silver sugar pearls for sparkle. These little touches elevate the presentation and make the experience even more special.

Side Dishes

Peppermint Meltaways pair beautifully with warm drinks. Think steaming hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or a calming peppermint tea to double down on the minty goodness. They also shine on dessert platters alongside fruitcake, gingerbread, or your favorite spiced biscuits.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these meltaways with a ribbon tied around them as charming little gifts. Or arrange them on a festive platter with holly sprigs and pinecones for a holiday centerpiece that guests will want to dive into immediately. Their delicate look and rich flavors also make them perfect for elegant cookie exchanges.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Peppermint Meltaways fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This helps preserve their soft texture and ensures the peppermint flavor stays vibrant without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cooled cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. Dough can be frozen for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake or frost as usual.

Reheating

To gently refresh your Peppermint Meltaways, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens them just enough to bring back that fresh-baked feel without melting the frosting too much. Let cool slightly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract instead of peppermint extract?

You can, but the charm of Peppermint Meltaways lies in their minty essence. Vanilla will give you a different cookie experience—still delicious but lacking that signature refreshing twist.

Is cornstarch really necessary in the dough?

Yes! Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It lightens the flour and keeps everything tender and delicate.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Your Peppermint Meltaways will still come out soft and flavorful.

How long does the frosting take to set?

The frosting will firm up in about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, placing the cookies in the fridge can speed up this process, setting the frosting more quickly and making them easier to handle.

Can I skip the frosting and just roll the cookies in crushed peppermint?

Yes, for a simpler version, rolling the dough balls in crushed peppermint before baking creates a crunchy, minty crust. It’s a fun twist that’s just as festive and delicious.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Meltaways are more than just cookies; they’re cozy moments you can bite into. Soft, buttery, and bursting with minty cheer, they are perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite winter drink. Trust me, once you try them, Peppermint Meltaways will become a treasured recipe in your cookie rotation—so go ahead, bake a batch, and watch smiles appear!