Dreamy Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet memories often dance around festive peppermint meltaway cookies that simply melt on your tongue with delicate grace.

Buttery textures complement rich seasonal flavors in this delightful treat.

Winter celebrations become magical when these delicate rounds appear on cookie platters.

Soft and powdery, each cookie promises a moment of pure indulgence.

Delicate mint notes whisper through crumbly shortbread-like bases that practically dissolve instantly.

Craving something light yet decadent?

These elegant morsels deliver pure joy in every single bite.

Bake a batch and watch smiles bloom across happy faces.

Peppermint Meltaways That Truly Live Up to the Name

• Quick and Easy Holiday Baking: Crafted cookies that make festive moments delightful.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Peppermint extract and candy cane garnish deliver a refreshing, seasonal taste that instantly elevates the cookie experience.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be prepared and chilled up to 2 days in advance, perfect for busy holiday schedules and stress-free entertaining.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Essentials

• Butter: Soft, creamy foundation for rich cookie texture with deep flavor.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth sweetness and helps bind the cookie dough.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps create tender cookie structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides classic sweet undertone.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers signature cool, refreshing mint flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural component for cookie base.
• Cornstarch: Ensures extra tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Butter: Creamy base for smooth frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates sweet, spreadable frosting consistency.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts frosting thickness and smoothness.

• Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor.

• Food Coloring: Creates decorative pink or red frosting appearance.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Holiday Baking Guide

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

This process should take around 2 minutes.

Add egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, then mix thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture using low mixer speed until just combined.

The dough will feel soft and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Chill Cookie Dough

Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes or up to 48 hours.

Chilling helps develop amazing flavor and texture.

Step 4: Warm up the Oven

Heat oven to 350°F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 5: Form Cookie Balls

Roll chilled dough into small round balls, using about 1 teaspoon per cookie.

Place on prepared baking sheets and gently press down to help cookies spread evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake cookies for 11-13 minutes until edges look set.

Centers will appear soft.

Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Step 7: Craft Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• Milk or heavy cream

Whip for 3 minutes, adjusting consistency with additional liquid if needed.

Optional: Add drops of red or pink food coloring.

Step 8: Decorate and Enjoy

Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Serve and watch everyone smile!

Easy Tips for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture without melting.
• Refrigerate dough for the full 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Use the spoon-and-level method to prevent dense, dry cookies by avoiding packed flour measurements.
• Add milk or cream gradually to achieve the ideal spreadable texture that's not too thick or runny.
• Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin for uniform, festive topping.

Meltaway Cookies Storage Tips

• Store frosted or unfrosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating layers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 8-10 seconds to restore softness, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent crumbling or becoming dry. Allow frosted cookies to set completely before storing to preserve their delicate decoration.

Sweet Sides for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich, warm hot chocolate that complements the cool peppermint flavor, creating a delightful winter dessert experience.
• Create a Festive Beverage Match: Serve alongside a peppermint mocha or candy cane-inspired cocktail to enhance the cookie's refreshing mint profile.
• Explore Dairy Companions: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or creamy eggnog to balance the cookie's light texture and provide a smooth, cooling contrast.
• Craft a Dessert Plate Pairing: Arrange these cookies with dark chocolate truffles or vanilla bean ice cream to create a sophisticated and harmonious sweet treat collection.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Made A Few Different Ways

• Gluten-Free Candy Cane Cookies: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring the same soft texture and peppermint flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Peppermint Treats: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of egg yolk, and swap confectioners' sugar with a plant-based powdered sugar alternative for a dairy-free version.
• Keto-Friendly Mint Cookies: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol or stevia, and incorporate cream cheese to maintain the rich, meltaway texture while keeping carbohydrates low.
• Low-Sugar Peppermint Bites: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener, adding sugar-free candy cane pieces, and decreasing the frosting quantity for a lighter, less sweet option.

FAQs

• Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to develop. It also makes the dough easier to handle and creates a better texture for the final cookie.

• Can I skip the cornstarch in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps make the cookies extra tender and gives them their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a key ingredient that contributes to the cookies’ delicate consistency, so it’s best not to omit it.

• How fine should I crush the candy canes for topping?

Crush the candy canes into small, uniform pieces – not too fine like dust, but not too large. Aim for pieces about the size of coarse breadcrumbs to ensure they stick to the frosting and provide a nice crunch.

• What's the purpose of using only an egg yolk in this recipe?

The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together while creating a softer, more tender cookie. It contributes to the smooth, melt-away texture that makes these cookies special.

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet winter magic happens when Peppermint Meltaway Cookies crumble delicately on your tongue with cool, minty freshness. Festive holiday treats deliver pure peppermint bliss you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (240 grams) confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch

Fat and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk or heavy cream

Stabilizers and Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Decorative Ingredients:

• 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring
• Crushed candy canes, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a luxurious butter and sugar mixture by vigorously whipping softened butter with confectioners’ sugar until achieving a silky, aerated texture. Incorporate egg yolk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts, blending thoroughly until harmoniously combined.
2. In a separate vessel, meticulously sift and blend flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing until a soft, slightly tacky dough emerges.
3. Encase the delicate dough in protective wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavor to intensify. Chilling is crucial for optimal texture and taste.
4. Warm the oven to a precise 350°F. Strategically line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
5. Retrieve chilled dough and delicately form petite spheres, approximately one teaspoon per cookie. Arrange on prepared sheets, gently pressing each ball to promote uniform spreading during baking.
6. Bake cookies until edges become golden and set, approximately 11-13 minutes. The centers will appear soft and tender. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Craft a luxurious frosting by whipping butter until creamy. Gradually integrate confectioners’ sugar, extracts, and milk, beating vigorously for three minutes. Adjust consistency with additional liquid if needed. Optional: introduce a subtle blush with food coloring.
8. Once cookies have completely cooled, lavishly coat with prepared frosting. Embellish by sprinkling crushed candy canes, transforming these delicate morsels into festive treats.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture during baking.
• Measure flour precisely by using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, tough cookies that can ruin the delicate peppermint flavor.
• Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more intense and authentic mint taste that elevates the entire cookie experience.
• For gluten-free alternatives, swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the cookie’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg