Easy Peppermint Meltaways Recipe: Irresistibly Soft Holiday Treats

Sweet, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth with a delightful peppermint meltaways recipe tucked inside await your culinary adventure.

These delicate treats combine simple ingredients for an irresistible holiday sensation.

Crisp and delicate, they crumble softly with each bite.

The powdered sugar coating adds a gentle sweetness that complements the cool mint flavor.

Elegant yet uncomplicated, these cookies promise to become a cherished tradition at your seasonal gatherings.

Baking these delightful morsels will fill your kitchen with a festive aroma that beckons everyone near.

You’ll find these peppermint meltaways are the perfect companion to your favorite warm beverage.

What Goes in Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides tender texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, delicate cookie structure.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure to the cookie.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.

• Peppermint Extract: Provides a cool, refreshing mint flavor characteristic of the cookie.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy frosting consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: Used to create a smooth, sweet frosting for topping the cookies.
• Peppermint Candies: Adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor as a garnish.
• Food Coloring (Optional): Allows for creative color variations in the frosting.

Tools for Soft, Buttery Peppermint Cookies

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter, beating dough, and making frosting smoothly.
• Mixing bowls: Large and medium sizes for preparing dough and frosting ingredients.
• Baking sheet: Flat surface for arranging and baking cookie balls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Whisk: Helpful for combining dry ingredients like flour and cornstarch.
• Spatula: For scraping bowl sides and spreading frosting.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Parchment paper (optional): Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheet.

Directions for Peppermint Meltaway Magic

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Cookie Base

Grab your mixer and cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture.

This should take about 3-4 minutes of blending.

Pour in peppermint extract to infuse delightful minty flavor.

In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch, then gently incorporate into the buttery mixture.

Step 2: Chill Cookie Dough

Wrap your cookie dough and tuck it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for half an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to become perfectly manageable.

Step 3: Shape and Bake Delicate Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small, adorable 1-inch balls.

Arrange them on a baking sheet, giving each cookie enough space to spread.

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookie bottoms turn a soft, golden brown.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Peppermint Frosting

Whip butter until it becomes smooth and creamy.

Introduce milk, peppermint extract, and optional food coloring for a festive touch.

Gradually fold in powdered sugar, blending until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 5: Decorate and Garnish

Once cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the peppermint frosting across each one.

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a delightful crunch and extra minty sparkle.

Pro Tips for Tender Peppermint Cookies

• Use room temperature butter for smoother, fluffier creaming that ensures even texture and better cookie consistency.
• Don't skip refrigeration; cold dough prevents spreading and helps cookies maintain perfect round shape during baking.
• Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent 1-inch balls for even baking and professional-looking results.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, smooth decoration surface.
• Use a rolling pin or food processor to create fine peppermint candy pieces for a more elegant and evenly distributed topping.

Fun Ways to Flavor Meltaway Cookies

• Holiday Chocolate Mint Cookies: Replace peppermint extract with chocolate extract, add cocoa powder to dough for rich chocolate flavor.
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Delight: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring same soft cookie texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Peppermint Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based milk for frosting, maintaining classic minty cookie experience.
• Low-Sugar Peppermint Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while preserving delicious mint profile.

Presenting Peppermint Meltaways for Holidays

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange meltaways on a beautiful ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh mint and delicate candy cane pieces for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Gifting Delight: Package cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchange parties.
• Tea Time Companion: Serve alongside peppermint tea or hot cocoa, creating a delightful winter afternoon treat that warms both hands and hearts.
• Dessert Garnish: Top vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse with crumbled meltaways for an unexpected, crunchy peppermint twist.

Keeping Peppermint Meltaways Fresh

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them cool to maintain texture and prevent frosting from melting.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and add frosting before serving.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading, ensuring your cookies maintain a neat, round shape.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months, making it convenient for last-minute baking.

• What's the key to getting a smooth, creamy frosting?

Ensure your butter is at room temperature and beat it until it’s light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually and mix until smooth, avoiding lumps. This technique creates a silky, spreadable frosting.

Peppermint Meltaways Why You’ll Love the Coolness

• Perfect for holiday gatherings, these peppermint meltaways bring cheerful winter vibes to any celebration with their delightful minty flavor.
• Beginners can confidently create these cookies with straightforward steps, requiring minimal baking skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Minimal ingredients and short preparation time make these cookies an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Adaptable recipe allows creative touches like food coloring or different extract variations, letting bakers personalize their sweet experience.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful peppermint meltaways cookies melt delicately on palates with crisp winter charm. Holiday bakers can savor these light, buttery treats that blend cool mint essence with sweet richness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (64 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners’ sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting)
• 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, softened (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) 2% milk
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) crushed peppermint candies

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough by vigorously whipping butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate peppermint extract thoroughly.
2. Sift together flour and cornstarch, then gently fold into the butter mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become more manageable.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough into compact 1-inch spheres, positioning them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
5. Bake for 9-11 minutes, watching for delicate golden-brown edges and bottoms, indicating perfect doneness.
6. While cookies cool completely, prepare the frosting by whipping butter until smooth and creamy.
7. Blend milk, peppermint extract, and optional food coloring into the butter. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
8. Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously frost each one with the peppermint icing.
9. Garnish the frosted cookies by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive, crunchy finish.

Notes

• Swap butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version that maintains the same delicate texture and minty flavor.
• Add extra peppermint extract gradually to control intensity, ensuring the mint doesn’t overpower the delicate cookie base.
• Chill dough longer for more defined shapes and prevent spreading during baking, creating picture-perfect round cookies every time.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment between layers to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth softness and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 139
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg