If you are searching for a delightful holiday treat that melts in your mouth and fills the air with a refreshing burst of coolness, then you are going to fall in love with these Peppermint Meltaways. These buttery, tender cookies are infused with just the right touch of peppermint extract and crowned with a festive frosting sprinkled with crushed peppermint candies. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or gifting to friends, Peppermint Meltaways are the perfect seasonal indulgence that will have everyone asking for more.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Peppermint Meltaways just right means using simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays a key role, whether it’s lending richness, lightness, or that unmistakable peppermint zing.

Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base for a tender melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Confectioners’ sugar (1/2 cup for dough, plus 1-1/2 cups for frosting): Adds sweetness and helps achieve a delicate crumb and smooth frosting.
Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon for dough, 1/4 teaspoon for frosting): Brings the signature refreshing flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
All-purpose flour (1-1/4 cups): Gives structure without making the cookies dense or heavy.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Keeps the cookies tender and meltable by softening the flour’s effect.
Milk (2 tablespoons, 2%): Adds moisture to create a silky frosting texture.
Butter (2 tablespoons softened, for frosting): Creates a creamy, rich frosting base.
Red food coloring (2 to 3 drops, optional): Injects festive color, perfect for holiday cheer.
Crushed peppermint candies (1/2 cup): Adds a crunchy, minty finish that makes each bite delightful.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Step 1: Creaming the Base

The magic starts by creaming together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until they become light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is essential as it traps air and helps give the cookies a tender texture. Next, beat in that refreshing peppermint extract to infuse the dough with its iconic cooling flavor.

Step 2: Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. This combo is crucial because the cornstarch softens the flour’s bite, ensuring the cookies are delicate. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your creamed butter mixture until everything is just combined. After mixing, refrigerate the dough, covered, for about 30 minutes so it firms up and is easier to handle.

Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, shape the dough into perfect 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, giving each cookie plenty of room since they spread slightly during baking. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden—this gives just enough structure while keeping the inside tender. After baking, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Making Peppermint Meltaways Frosting

The frosting is a buttery, sweet, minty dream. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then add in the milk, peppermint extract, and if you want to bring some festive color, a few drops of red food coloring. Slowly incorporate the confectioners’ sugar until you get a smooth, spreadable frosting. Spread this luscious layer generously over each cooled cookie.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosted cookies immediately so they stick and add a delightful crunch. This final step boosts the peppermint flavor and gives the Peppermint Meltaways their classic, festive look that will have your guests swooning.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways

Garnishes

Besides the crushed peppermint candies, consider dusting a little extra confectioners’ sugar over the top for an enchanting snowy effect. You could also add tiny edible silver balls or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist that plays nicely with the mint.

Side Dishes

Peppermint Meltaways pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a peppermint-infused latte—both complement the minty notes while balancing the sweetness. You might also serve them alongside a cheese platter featuring mild, creamy cheeses that contrast the cooling peppermint flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, arrange the Peppermint Meltaways in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper, layering the cookies with sheets of wax paper to keep them fresh. For parties, display them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or holly nearby to echo their minty burst and holiday spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—and honestly, who doesn’t—store your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly fresh and tender for up to one week, making them a great make-ahead treat for yourself or guests.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either frosted or unfrosted. If you choose to freeze them unfrosted, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature and then frost as usual for best results. Frosted cookies can also be frozen but handle them gently to protect the frosting.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmed treat, gently heat the cookies in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes, but be sure not to melt the frosting or lose their meltaway quality.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract, so if you decide to substitute, use much less—start with just a drop and adjust carefully to avoid overpowering the cookies’ flavor.

What is the purpose of cornstarch in the dough?

Cornstarch helps tenderize the cookies, making them softer and giving them that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is why it’s an essential part of this recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, but be sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep the cornstarch proportion the same for that tender texture.

How do I crush the peppermint candies easily?

Place the peppermint candies in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This way you get wonderful varied pieces that look beautiful when sprinkled on top.

Can I skip the frosting and still enjoy Peppermint Meltaways?

Absolutely! The cookies themselves are delicious and tender, but the frosting and crushed peppermint add a lovely balance of sweetness and crunch that really elevates them.

Final Thoughts

Making Peppermint Meltaways is like creating a little slice of holiday magic, filled with buttery goodness and just the right amount of peppermint cheer. They’re simple to prepare, fun to decorate, and irresistible to everyone lucky enough to taste them. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend to bake alongside you, and enjoy the delicious joy that these meltaway cookies bring to any occasion.