Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the sweet and refreshing flavor of peppermint. These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a seasonal must-have—light, buttery cookies that truly live up to their name. They “melt away” on the tongue, delivering a burst of peppermint bliss with each bite

Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, edible gifts, or snowy afternoon baking, these cookies are just as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to make the best peppermint meltaways—from the science behind the dough to decorating ideas, flavor variations, and storage tips.

🎄 What Are Peppermint Meltaway Cookies?

Peppermint meltaway cookies are ultra-soft, buttery shortbread-style cookies made with cornstarch for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough is lightly flavored with peppermint extract and topped with a smooth peppermint frosting. Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top give them crunch, color, and an unmistakable holiday flair.

🧈 Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions

Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make these cookies so unique:

Unsalted Butter (softened): The foundation of the cookie. Butter creates richness and a soft, tender crumb.
Powdered Sugar: Dissolves easily and gives the cookies a smooth, fine texture.
Peppermint Extract: Just a little goes a long way—too much can overpower the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Use a light hand when mixing to avoid toughness.
Cornstarch: This is the magic ingredient! It softens the flour and gives the cookies their meltaway texture.
Salt (optional): Enhances the sweetness and brings balance.

🟣 Peppermint Frosting

Butter (softened): For a creamy base.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
Peppermint Extract: Adds minty freshness.
Milk or Cream: Adjusts consistency.
Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Optional, but festive and crunchy.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Making the Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add Flavoring
Mix in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Be careful not to overdo it—peppermint can be potent!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30–60 minutes. This helps firm up the butter and prevents spreading.

✅ Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll gently and place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Flatten Lightly
Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to slightly flatten each cookie.
Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are set but not browned. Cookies should remain pale and soft.
Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

✅ Making the Frosting

Beat Butter
In a small bowl, beat 2 tablespoons butter until smooth.
Add Sugar and Flavoring
Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth and spreadable.
Frost the Cookies
Once cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe a small dollop of frosting on top of each one.
Decorate
Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or crushed candy canes before frosting sets.

✨ Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meltaways

Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level off to avoid dry, crumbly dough.
Don’t Overmix: Once flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing = tough cookies.
Chill Is Crucial: Without chilling, cookies may spread too much and lose their shape.
Use Softened Butter: Not melted. Too soft and the dough will be greasy.
Crush Candy Canes Gently: Use a food processor or ziplock bag and rolling pin. Avoid turning them into powder.

🌟 Flavor Variations to Try

🍫 Chocolate Dipped Meltaways

Dip half the frosted cookie in melted white or dark chocolate. Let set before serving.

🌿 Mint Chocolate Chip

Add mini chocolate chips to the dough and top with chocolate mint frosting instead.

🎨 Colored Frosting

Tint the peppermint frosting with pink or green food coloring for a festive look.

🥥 Coconut Peppermint

Sprinkle shredded coconut along with crushed peppermint for tropical flair.

🍋 Lemon-Mint Meltaways

Swap peppermint extract for lemon extract in the cookie base and frosting for a bright, citrusy twist with a hint of mint.

❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 10 days—just let them sit at room temp before serving.
Freezer (Unfrosted): Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.
Make-Ahead Dough: Wrap dough tightly and chill for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Add to your holiday cookie platter.
Wrap in clear treat bags for gifts or party favors.
Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint mocha.
Use as a garnish for ice cream sundaes or peppermint milkshakes.

Calories: 115
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: <1g

Note: Actual values vary depending on portion sizes and toppings used.

❓FAQ: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but use it sparingly—peppermint oil is much stronger than extract. Use 1/4 the amount of extract called for.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze the frosted cookies?

It’s best to freeze them unfrosted, as frosting can crack or sweat when thawing. Add frosting after thawing for best results.

Why are my cookies crumbly?

Too much flour or overbaking can make cookies dry and crumbly. Measure carefully and bake just until set.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Absolutely. These cookies scale well. Just make sure to chill dough in batches to maintain consistent baking.

How do I crush candy canes neatly?

Use a food processor, or place candy canes in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet. Sift to remove powdery bits.

Can I leave out the frosting?

Yes, they’re still delicious plain, but the frosting adds sweetness, moisture, and that signature peppermint touch.

🎁 Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Perfect balance of sweetness and cool mint
Buttery, delicate texture that melts in your mouth
Festive and beautiful presentation
Make-ahead friendly and great for gifting
Easy to customize with flavors and colors

🎅 Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies are a standout among holiday treats. They’re soft, minty, buttery, and oh-so-pretty—with a texture so tender, they practically vanish with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, creating edible gifts, or simply want to treat yourself during the winter season, this recipe delivers festive flavor in the most delightful way.

Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a tradition in your holiday baking lineup for years to come.