The holiday season always brings a sense of magic into our home, and one of my favorite traditions is baking cookies with the children. One snowy December morning, a new recipe I had tucked away for years, Peppermint Meltaways, caught my attention again. The kitchen quickly filled with the sweet scent of butter and sugar, mingling with the cool, refreshing aroma of peppermint.
The children peeked over the counter as I creamed the butter and sugar, their eyes widening when the peppermint extract went in. Rolling the soft dough into tiny balls brought back the same warm feeling my mother once shared with me decades ago, laughter echoing around the kitchen as flour dusted our hands.
After baking, the cookies emerged lightly golden at the bottoms, soft and delicate to the touch. Decorating them with peppermint frosting and crushed candies became a joyful ritual, each cookie unique and bright. Sharing these meltaways with family, while sipping hot cocoa by the fire, reminded me that the smallest, sweetest moments often become the most treasured.
Short Description
Creamy Sweet Peppermint Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies topped with creamy peppermint frosting and festive crushed candies, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter afternoons.
Key Ingredients
For the Cookies
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1 cup butter, softened
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½ cup confectioners’ sugar
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½ teaspoon peppermint extract
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
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2 tablespoons butter, softened
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1½ cups confectioners’ sugar
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2 tablespoons milk
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¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
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2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
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Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish
Tools Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Hand or stand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Small bowl for frosting
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Baking sheets
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Parchment paper or silicone mat
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Wire racks for cooling
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Spatula or spoon for spreading frosting
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in peppermint extract to release a festive aroma.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake 9–11 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if desired) until smooth and spreadable.
Step 7: Decorate
Spread frosting over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Allow frosting to set before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Sweet peppermint flavor perfect for holidays
Fun and easy to decorate with children
Makes an impressive treat for gift-giving
Simple ingredients, approachable for any home baker
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Dough Too Sticky
Too soft dough can spread too much while baking.
Solution: Chill for at least 30 minutes; if still sticky, lightly dust hands with flour.
Overbaking Cookies
Overbaked cookies lose their tender melt-away texture.
Solution: Bake just until the bottoms are lightly golden and remove promptly.
Frosting Too Runny
Thin frosting can slide off the cookies.
Solution: Gradually add milk, adjusting to a spreadable but thick consistency.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a festive cookie platter for holiday gatherings
Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea
Ideal for cookie exchanges or small gift tins
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Keep frosting-covered cookies separate with parchment layers to prevent sticking
No reheating needed; enjoy fresh or allow to soften slightly at room temperature if chilled
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and ensure cornstarch is gluten-free.
2. Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely. The cookies are tender and flavorful on their own.
3. How far in advance can I prepare the dough?
Dough can be refrigerated up to 2 days or frozen for 1 month; thaw before baking.
4. Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but use sparingly—peppermint oil is more concentrated than extract.
5. How do I store decorated cookies for gifting?
Place in an airtight tin with parchment layers and keep at cool room temperature for 3–5 days.
Tips & Tricks
Chill dough for firmer cookies
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizes
Crush peppermint candies coarsely for texture and visual appeal
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
Mini Peppermint Meltaways: Roll dough into ½-inch balls for bite-sized cookies.
Peppermint Almond Meltaways: Add ¼ cup finely chopped almonds to dough for a nutty crunch.
Frosted Swirl Meltaways: Mix ½ tsp red food coloring into half of frosting for a marbled effect.
Sugar-Free Peppermint Meltaways: Substitute sugar with a 1:1 sugar alternative suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
Baking Peppermint Meltaways fills the kitchen with the sweet scent of butter and peppermint, instantly setting a festive mood. The tender, buttery cookies paired with the refreshing peppermint create a small, joyful celebration in every bite. Decorating them with crushed candies adds a cheerful, colorful touch that makes the experience feel special for the whole family.
Sharing these cookies with children adds layers of warmth and memory to the holiday season. The simplicity and charm of each cookie turn baking into more than a task—it becomes a moment of togetherness, laughter, and small celebrations. Every batch brings joy, creating lasting memories that linger long after the last cookie is enjoyed.
Creamy Sweet Peppermint Meltaways
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
Instructions
- Cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until fluffy; beat in peppermint extract.
- Whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture to form soft dough.
- Chill dough at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C); roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake 9–11 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden; cool on wire racks.
- Beat butter for frosting, then mix in sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and optional coloring until smooth.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and top with crushed peppermint candies; let set before serving.
