Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

These soft, buttery Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with a refreshing peppermint flavor melt in your mouth and are the perfect treat for the holiday season. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging by the fire, these festive cookies will add a touch of cheer to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy these cookies for their delicate texture and refreshing flavor. The peppermint frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the crushed candy canes provide a delightful crunch. They’re simple to make, visually festive, and perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (65g) cornstarch

For the Peppermint Frosting:

2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups (190g) powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Optional: A few drops of pink or red food coloring

For Garnish:

Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

I cream softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.

I mix in the peppermint extract, then gradually add flour and cornstarch, stirring until the dough is soft.

Chill the Dough:

I wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Preheat the Oven:

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Shape the Cookies:

I roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Then, I flatten each ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or my palm.

Bake:

I bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. After baking, I let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Make the Frosting:

I beat softened butter in a small bowl until smooth. Then, I gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy. If I want an extra festive touch, I add a few drops of food coloring.

Decorate the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cooled, I spread a small amount of frosting on each one and sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.

Serve and Enjoy:

I let the frosting set before serving. These cookies taste amazing with a warm drink and are a wonderful treat for the holidays.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 24 cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist.

Citrus Twist: Use orange or lemon extract instead of peppermint for a bright, zesty flavor.

Vegan Option: Substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk for the frosting and cookies.

Dipped Cookies: Skip the frosting and dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint.

Sprinkle Fun: Swap crushed candy canes for colorful holiday sprinkles.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If I need them to last longer, I freeze them without the frosting for up to three months. When ready to serve, I let them thaw at room temperature and frost them fresh.

Related Recipes:

• Meltaway Brownie Cookies
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, I can use salted butter but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! I prepare the dough or bake the cookies ahead of time and frost them closer to serving.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If I don’t have peppermint extract, I can use vanilla extract or another flavor, though the cookies won’t have the signature peppermint taste.

How can I crush the candy canes easily?

I place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.

Conclusion

These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies bring the magic of the season to your table with their soft texture, festive flavor, and delightful crunch. Whether for gifting, sharing, or enjoying alone, they’re a joy to bake and eat. Make a batch and add a touch of sweetness to your holiday traditions.

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