Quick & Buttery Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe to Make Today

These delightful peppermint meltaway cookies embody winter’s most enchanting flavor profile, promising a sensory experience that dances between delicate and decadent.

Soft, crumbly textures melt seamlessly on your tongue, releasing cool mint essence with each delectable bite.

Light-as-air cookie rounds combine subtle sweetness and refreshing peppermint for an irresistible treat that feels simultaneously elegant and comforting.

Small, perfectly crafted morsels showcase a refined approach to holiday baking that transcends traditional cookie expectations.

Powdered sugar coating adds a whisper of snowfall-like elegance to these delicate confections.

Crisp yet tender, these cookies represent a sophisticated take on seasonal dessert craftsmanship.

Rich butter undertones balance the bright mint notes, creating a harmonious flavor symphony that captivates dessert enthusiasts.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies That Really Do Melt

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: These peppermint meltaway cookies offer an incredibly delicate texture that literally dissolves on your tongue, creating a smooth, buttery sensation that feels like pure holiday bliss.
• Quick Holiday Happiness: Whip up these festive treats in just over an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, cookie exchanges, or spontaneous winter dessert cravings with minimal prep and baking time.
• Effortless Flavor Punch: The combination of peppermint extract in both the cookie and frosting delivers a refreshing, cool burst of flavor that instantly transforms a simple butter cookie into a delightful seasonal sensation, adding excitement to every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Peppermint Meltaways

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's delicate texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, smooth cookie base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie's delicate texture.

• Peppermint Extract: Gives a refreshing and cool mint flavor to the cookies.
• Half and Half: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy frosting consistency.
• Crushed Peppermint Bits: Provides a festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor.

Instructions for Making Soft Peppermint Cookies

Step 1: Craft the Cookie Base

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until perfectly combined and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Mixture

• Butter
• Powdered sugar

Mix until smooth and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and gently incorporate flour mixture.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare

Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. During final 15 minutes, preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake cookies for 10-13 minutes until edges turn light golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Peppermint Frosting

• Butter
• Half and half
• Peppermint extract
• Powdered sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Decorate with Flair

Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint bits immediately.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature. Share and savor these minty delights!

Tips to Nail the Peppermint Cookie Texture

• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough for exactly one hour to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Handle with Care: Keep unused dough chilled between batches to maintain consistent texture and prevent softening.
• Extract Intensity: Use pure peppermint extract for a clean, sharp mint flavor that doesn't taste artificial.
• Frosting Finesse: Spread frosting while cookies are completely cool to ensure smooth, even coverage and prevent melting.
• Crush Perfectly: Crush peppermint candies just before sprinkling to maintain crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.

Store and Reheat Peppermint Meltaway Cookies the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Place cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Layer cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to maintain their delicate texture and prevent the frosting from melting.

Pair These Cookies with Hot Chocolate or Tea

• Brew Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Pair these delicate cookies with a rich, creamy hot chocolate infused with peppermint extract. The warmth and intensity of the drink perfectly complement the light, buttery texture of the cookies.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Latte: The smooth, sweet notes of a vanilla bean latte balance the cool peppermint flavor, creating a delightful winter-inspired treat that feels like a cozy hug.
• Serve alongside Candy Cane Tea: A festive peppermint tea enhances the cookie's minty profile, providing a refreshing and elegant accompaniment that brings out the subtle flavors of the dessert.
• Enjoy with White Chocolate Mocha: The creamy, sweet white chocolate mocha provides a decadent contrast to the light, crisp texture of the peppermint meltaway cookies, making each bite a luxurious experience.

Variations to Try with the Peppermint Base

• Chocolate Peppermint Crunch: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra richness. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over frosted cookies and sprinkle with cocoa nibs for a decadent texture.
• Candy Cane Swirl: Replace half the peppermint extract with vanilla extract. Top cookies with crushed candy canes and create a red and white swirled frosting using food coloring.
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Delight: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Use almond flour for added nutty undertones and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Mint Meltaways: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based milk in frosting and swap powdered sugar for a vegan-friendly alternative. Garnish with dairy-free white chocolate shavings.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Peppermint meltaway cookies deliver winter holiday magic with delicate shortbread-style texture and cool mint essence. Delightful powdered sugar coating and crisp peppermint crunch make these elegant treats perfect for festive gatherings when friends gather to celebrate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (178 grams / 6.3 ounces) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (68 grams / 2.4 ounces) cornstarch
• ½ cup (68 grams / 2.4 ounces) powdered sugar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams / 1 ounce) salted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (200 grams / 7 ounces) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons half and half
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ cup (42 grams / 1.5 ounces) finely crushed peppermint bits or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Sift together flour, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will provide a delicate texture to the cookies.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, smooth, and pale, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Incorporate peppermint extract into the butter mixture, releasing its refreshing fragrance and infusing the dough with a cool, minty essence.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour, allowing the ingredients to meld and the dough to firm up for easier handling.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F during the final 15 minutes of chilling, ensuring an optimal baking environment.
7. Roll chilled dough into small, uniform balls, placing them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet to allow proper spreading during baking.
8. Bake cookies for 10-13 minutes, watching for a delicate golden brown color on the bottom and a set texture indicating doneness.
9. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Prepare the frosting by whipping butter, half and half, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
11. Generously spread frosting over each cooled cookie, creating a smooth, even layer.
12. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint bits on top of the frosting, allowing them to slightly sink into the soft surface.
13. Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture and flavor.

Notes

• Chill the dough for at least an hour to ensure the cookies maintain their shape and have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Keep unused dough refrigerated while working to prevent softening and maintain consistent cookie size.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming and better incorporation with other ingredients.
• Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid dense, dry cookies.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, crisp decoration.
• Crush peppermint candies just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg