Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies flavored with a hint of peppermint and topped with creamy frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These festive treats are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a refreshing, sweet bite.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract to add a festive aroma.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. Step 3: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Step 5: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the butter in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using) until smooth and spreadable.
7. 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 an extra peppermint kick, add a few crushed peppermint candies into the dough before baking.
• Replace peppermint extract with vanilla for a classic meltaway flavor.
• Use pastel-colored food coloring to create different festive looks.
• Chilling the dough longer than 30 minutes can help prevent spreading in warmer kitchens.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Frosted cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw completely before icing if freezing the dough or cookies unfrosted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is more concentrated, so use sparingly—about half the amount of extract called for to avoid overpowering the cookies.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

Delight in these charming Peppermint Meltaways, delicate buttery cookies infused with peppermint extract and topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candies. Perfect for festive occasions, their tender texture melts in your mouth with a refreshing minty finish.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies

• 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
• 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract to infuse a festive aroma into the batter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently until a soft dough forms without overworking.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances the texture.
4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow spreading.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
7. Decorate: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. Allow the frosting to set before serving to ensure it holds well.

Notes

• Refrigerating the dough is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Using cornstarch in the dough helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract slightly, but avoid overpowering the delicate cookie taste.
• Crushed peppermint candies add a nice crunchy texture and decorative appeal, but you can omit if desired.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for freshness.

Keywords: Peppermint Meltaways, peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaway cookies, peppermint frosting, festive desserts