Sweet Peppermint Meltaways

Just after the first December snowfall, my sister-in-law Talia hosted a wreath-making night in her cozy kitchen, pine needles crunching underfoot, everyone bundled in sweaters still dusted with snow. One guest brought cider, another a playlist of jazzy holiday classics but what stole the evening were the Peppermint Meltaways cooling on the counter. Talia had baked them from memory, a recipe scribbled on the back of a holiday card years ago.

In another moment that same winter, I dropped off a tin of Peppermint Meltaways at a neighbor’s porch their son had just returned from college, and their house was full again. We waved through the glass door, both cradling mugs.

Then there was my friend Marisol in Chicago, who texted a photo of her toddler’s frosting-covered grin after making these cookies together for the first time. These soft, snowy bites keep weaving through small traditions and unexpected memories.

What makes Peppermint Meltaways so special isn’t just their buttery texture or festive topping, but how easily they become part of the season whether you’re baking in a quiet kitchen or surrounded by glitter, garland, and little helping hands.

Short Description

Peppermint Meltaways are soft, buttery holiday cookies with a cool mint twist and frosted tops, finished with crushed peppermint. Perfect for Christmas trays, gifting, or a cozy winter treat.

Key Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

Tools Needed

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling racks
• Spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with ½ cup confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¼ cups flour, ½ cup cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the dough
Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape when baking.

Step 4: Shape and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.

Step 5: Prepare the frosting
Beat 2 tablespoons softened butter in a medium bowl. Gradually mix in 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, and food coloring if using. Beat until smooth.

Step 6: Decorate
Once cookies are fully cooled, spread frosting on top and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let them set until the frosting firms up slightly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery soft texture that melts in your mouth

Perfect balance of sweetness and cool peppermint

Eye-catching and festive for holiday gatherings

Easy to prepare and decorate with kids

Ideal for gifting or cookie exchanges

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dough too soft to roll:
If the dough sticks to your hands, it’s not chilled enough. Return it to the fridge for another 15–20 minutes.

Overbaking the cookies:
Watch for just lightly golden bottoms. Too long in the oven will dry them out.

Frosting too runny:
Add more confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you get a spreadable consistency.

Peppermint flavor too strong:
Stick to the measured extract amounts—peppermint can overwhelm quickly.

Peppermint garnish melting into frosting:
Wait until frosting is slightly set before topping to keep that snowy-crunch look.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve on a holiday cookie tray with hot cocoa or spiced tea

Pair with vanilla ice cream for a winter dessert plate

Stack in gift tins with parchment between layers

Great addition to school parties or office cookie swaps

Display on tiered dessert stands for festive buffets

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies and frost after thawing

Do not refrigerate once frosted, as moisture may affect texture

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temp before serving

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaways?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.

2. Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely—try vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile, though it won’t be as holiday-specific.

3. How do I make these gluten-free?
Substitute a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, but test for dough consistency—some blends may require less cornstarch.

4. How far ahead can I make these for gifting?
You can bake and frost them 1–2 days ahead. Store in a cool, airtight container to keep them fresh.

5. Do I need food coloring?
Not at all. It’s optional—just gives the frosting a cheerful pink tint.

Tips & Tricks

Crush peppermint candies between sheets of parchment with a rolling pin for minimal mess

Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size

Add a drop of peppermint oil to frosting for stronger flavor—but use sparingly

Line tins with wax paper for gifting—prettier and practical

Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways
Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough. Frost with vanilla or mint-chocolate glaze.

Lemon Meltaways
Swap peppermint extract with lemon extract and omit crushed peppermint. Add lemon zest to frosting.

Vanilla-Almond Snowballs
Use ¼ teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon almond extract in the dough. Top with white sanding sugar instead of peppermint.

Matcha Peppermint Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon culinary matcha powder to dough. The green hue adds a modern holiday twist.

White Chocolate Frosted Version
Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the frosting before adding crushed peppermint.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Meltaways have a way of making their mark small, snowy bites that brighten up tins, trays, and tables. Whether stacked high for a party, tucked into a lunchbox, or shared over laughter with friends, they bring a wintry joy without demanding much in return. Simple, soft, and unexpectedly festive, these cookies tend to vanish fast.

It’s that mix of cold peppermint and buttery crumb that keeps them showing up year after year. In all their pink-frosted glory, they make December feel a little more magical. If you’re searching for a cookie that looks charming on the plate and disappears even faster, this might be the one.