Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Oh, you’ve got to try this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe! It’s become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when the holidays roll around or whenever I crave that perfect, tender cookie with a refreshing peppermint twist. These cookies literally melt in your mouth, hence the name, and the subtle peppermint flavor combined with the buttery texture is truly irresistible.

What makes this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe stand out for me is how easy it is to make, yet the results look and taste like you spent hours baking. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll grab when you want a cozy afternoon treat or when you need a gorgeous cookie that feels special for gifting or sharing at any gathering. Trust me, once you try these, your cookie game will be totally leveled up!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe uses simple pantry staples with a few special touches to get that perfect meltaway texture and peppermint punch. When shopping, look for good-quality butter and fresh peppermint extract for the best flavor.

• All-purpose flour: I scoop and level mine for accuracy – it’s key for the right cookie structure.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret weapon for that tender, crumbly texture you’ll love.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Using softened butter helps everything blend smoothly and creates that rich buttery flavor.
• Powdered sugar (for dough): This makes the cookie tender, smoother than granulated sugar.
• Peppermint extract: Adds that cool, refreshing mint flavor without needing to use a ton of mint candies.
• Salted butter (for frosting): I like a touch of salt in the frosting to make the sweetness more balanced.
• Half and half: Adds moisture to the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Powdered sugar (for frosting): For that classic smooth, sweet frosting texture.
• Finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes: For a beautiful, crunchy garnish and an extra peppermint kick on top.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I’ve played around with different toppings and extracts — feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or occasion!

• Chocolate-dipped variation: I sometimes dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for an elegant twist and extra richness.
• Vegan adaptation: Replacing butter with a vegan butter alternative and using a plant-based half and half works well, though texture might be a bit different.
• Extra minty: Adding a sprinkle of crushed peppermint bits inside the dough before baking gives a fun surprise in each bite.
• Colorful presentation: Swap peppermint bits for crushed festive red and green candies to brighten up your cookie platter for the holidays.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk your dry ingredients to start

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. This simple step ensures everything is evenly mixed and helps the cornstarch distribute throughout, which is key to the meltaway texture. Set this aside while you cream the butter and sugar.

Step 2: Cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until it’s combined and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The softer your butter is, the smoother your dough will be, so don’t skip softening it properly!

Step 3: Add the peppermint and flour mixture

Mix in the peppermint extract to get that fresh mint kick. Then, on low speed, slowly add in your flour mixture — just until it’s combined. You don’t want to overmix here, or the cookies can become tougher, which defeats the whole meltaway effect.

Step 4: Chill the dough until firm

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about an hour, until nearly firm. Chilling is crucial because it helps the dough hold its shape while baking. I usually set my oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of chilling so I’m ready to bake right away.

Step 5: Shape, bake, and cool the cookies

Scoop out dough by the tablespoon, roll into balls, and transfer to an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Keep any extra dough chilled while you bake in batches. Bake for about 10-13 minutes, just until the cookies are set and the bottoms turn slightly golden. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — this helps them firm up with the perfect texture.

Step 6: Whip up the peppermint frosting and garnish

For the frosting, cream together salted butter, half and half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then, spread the frosting generously over each cookie one at a time. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top before the frosting sets so they stick beautifully. Repeat until all the cookies are frosted and garnished.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with finely crushed peppermint bits because they add a lovely crunch and look so festive. Sometimes I stir in a little red and white sanding sugar for extra sparkle when I’m serving them at parties — it’s a simple way to amp up the presentation!

Side Dishes

These peppermint cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a creamy latte. I also like serving them alongside other classic holiday treats like fudge or gingerbread to mix textures and flavors at cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper and tied with a ribbon — it’s a simple but lovely gift. Another fun idea is to make mini cookie stacks tied together with twine and a small candy cane hooked on top. It always wows friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and fresh for about a week. If you notice them drying out, pop a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture — that trick worked wonders for me!

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing them unfrosted on a baking sheet first. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Defrost at room temperature and then frost them fresh — this keeps the texture and flavor intact better than freezing fully frosted cookies.

Reheating

Reheating these cookies isn’t really necessary since they’re so good at room temp, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 6-8 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting might melt away. Warmed slightly, they almost taste like fresh-baked again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe brings a touch of magic to my cookie jar. It’s the kind of recipe I’ve shared countless times with friends, and everyone always asks for the secret to that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Give it a try — whether it’s for the holidays, a cozy winter day, or just because, I’m sure these cookies will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

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