Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies with a refreshing minty flavor that melts in your mouth. Topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candies, they’re a festive treat perfect for the holiday season.

The image shows many small round sugar cookies arranged close together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: the bottom layer is a pale golden soft cookie with a smooth texture, and the top layer is a swirl of light pink creamy frosting with a soft, slightly fluffy texture. On top of the pink frosting, there are small, irregular chunks of white and red-striped peppermint candy, adding a crunchy texture and bright color contrast. The cookies are evenly spaced and cover the whole surface, creating a neat and colorful pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract until combined.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape when baked.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer the cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the frosting by beating 2 tablespoons softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Mix until smooth.
Step 7: Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra mint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cookie dough as well as the frosting.
If you prefer a softer frosting, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
To add color, use festive red or green food coloring in the frosting.
Gluten-free cooks can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
To crush peppermint candies quickly, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin.

Storage

Store Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Let chilled cookies come to room temperature before serving. The frosting sets best when cool but soft.

How to Serve

A soft, round cookie sits on a white marbled surface with a thick layer of smooth, light pink frosting swirled on top. Scattered generously over the frosting are small, irregular pieces of white peppermint candy with bright red stripes. Around the cookie, more crushed peppermint candies are spread loosely, adding texture and color contrast. The cookie itself is a warm golden-brown, soft in texture and slightly domed. In the background, another similar cookie is partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This can enhance the flavor and maintain the cookie shape during baking.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If peppermint extract is unavailable, you can substitute with vanilla extract or almond extract, though the flavor will be different. For a similar minty taste, consider using spearmint extract if you have it.

Peppermint Meltaways Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with refreshing peppermint flavor, topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and garnished with crushed peppermint candies. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion, offering a delightful combination of soft texture and cool minty taste.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with the minty aroma.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, mixing until everything is just combined and forms a soft dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking and to enhance the texture.
Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Once chilled, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly browned. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, then mix in the milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Beat the mixture until smooth and spreadable.
Decorate: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for an added festive touch. Allow the frosting to set before serving your delicious peppermint meltaways.

Notes

For best results, use softened butter to ensure proper creaming and texture.
Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Red food coloring in the frosting is optional but adds a festive holiday color.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Crushed peppermint candies can be substituted with candy canes if preferred.

Keywords: peppermint cookies, meltaway cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint extract cookies, frosted peppermint cookies, Christmas cookies