Irresistibly Soft Peppermint Meltaways Recipe: Dreamy Holiday Treats

Sweet peppermint meltaways dance with delicate, cloud-like textures that promise pure winter magic.

Soft cookies whisper festive memories of holiday gatherings.

Delicate rounds melt instantly on your tongue, releasing cool minty essence.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers packed with refreshing flavor.

These delightful treats blend simplicity and elegance in every perfect bite.

Nordic baking traditions inspire this charming confection that feels like a gentle snowfall.

Indulge in these heavenly morsels and let winter’s most delicious moment begin.

Peppermint Meltaways That Truly Live Up to Their Name

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: These peppermint meltaways deliver an incredibly soft, delicate texture that practically dissolves on your tongue with a burst of cool mint flavor.
• Festive Family Favorite: Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies bring everyone together with their cheerful peppermint twist and gorgeous decorative look that kids and adults will adore.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: Requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe welcomes newcomers to baking with straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Dressed up with crushed candy canes and a smooth peppermint frosting, these cookies transform into a stunning treat that's sure to impress at potlucks, cookie exchanges, and seasonal celebrations.

Inside the Softest Peppermint Meltaways Ever

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a soft, tender texture in the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Flour: Forms the structural base of the cookies, giving them their classic shape and texture.
• Cornstarch: Contributes to the ultra-soft and delicate crumb of the meltaway cookies.

• Peppermint Extract: Delivers a cool, refreshing mint flavor that defines the cookie's signature taste.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combine to create a smooth, creamy frosting with a perfect spreading consistency.

• Candy Canes: Adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor to the finished cookies.

How to Bake Peppermint Meltaways That Vanish Fast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

This sets the stage for creating perfectly soft cookies that will make everyone’s taste buds dance.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar

Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Splash in the peppermint extract for that cool, refreshing flavor that screams holiday cheer.

Step 3: Form Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch

Blend until the ingredients form a smooth, dreamy dough that’s just begging to be shaped into delightful little treats.

Step 4: Shape Magical Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into adorable balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and gently press down to create those classic cookie shapes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges look set but the cookies remain beautifully pale.

Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a clean bowl, cream the butter until silky smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Peppermint extract
• Milk

Blend until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency that’s as smooth as silk.

Step 7: Decorate and Celebrate

Once cookies are completely cool, generously frost each one.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that extra festive crunch and holiday spirit. Watch as these cookies become the star of any gathering!

Peppermint Meltaway Tips for That Signature Softness

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of these delicate cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain perfect round shapes.
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant frosting without affecting the consistency of the mixture.
• Crush candy canes finely for an even distribution of peppermint crunch on top of the cookies.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to preserve their soft texture for up to 5 days.

New Spins on Peppermint Meltaways You’ll Want to Try

• Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for rich, chocolatey cookies. Top with dark chocolate drizzle and crushed peppermint candies.
• Almond Peppermint Variation: Swap peppermint extract with almond extract. Add finely chopped almonds to the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Peppermint Meltaways: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious alternative.
• Vegan Peppermint Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based milk and powdered sugar to create a dairy-free, egg-free version of these classic cookies.

Perfect Pairings for Peppermint Meltaway Bliss

• Pair with Hot Cocoa: Indulge in a warm mug of rich hot chocolate that complements the peppermint cookies' cool, refreshing flavor. The creamy cocoa balances the crisp mint, creating a delightful winter treat.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delectable dessert pairing by nestling a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside these meltaway cookies. The cold, creamy texture perfectly contrasts the delicate, buttery cookie.
• Match with Peppermint Mocha: Elevate the experience with a festive peppermint mocha coffee drink. The espresso's deep richness and additional peppermint notes harmonize beautifully with the cookie's delicate mint flavor.

Storing Peppermint Meltaways Without Losing That Softness

• Refrigerate: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freeze Unfrosted: Wrap unbaked or baked cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a piece of bread inside to help maintain softness and prevent drying.
• Reheating: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 5-8 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Your Peppermint Meltaway Questions—Solved Sweetly

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain the cookie’s shape and prevent excessive spreading.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks before baking.

• How do I crush candy canes neatly?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to create uniform pieces.

• What can I do if the frosting is too thick or thin?

Adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of milk to thin it out or powdered sugar to thicken it until you reach the desired spreadable texture.

Irresistibly Soft Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30–32 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Peppermint Meltaways bring festive cheer with delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that dance with cool mint flavor. Delightful holiday treats sprinkled with powdered sugar will make you the star of any seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornstarch

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1–2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) milk
• Crushed candy canes, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution.
2. Whip softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, then infuse with peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor profile.
3. Gradually incorporate flour and cornstarch into the butter mixture, blending until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
4. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized spheres, gently rolling each between your palms and positioning them on the prepared baking sheets with slight gentle compression.
5. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a pale cookie appearance.
6. Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling to room temperature for optimal texture and frosting adherence.
7. Craft the frosting by smoothing butter until creamy, then methodically blend powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
8. Generously coat each cooled cookie with the prepared frosting, creating an even layer that complements the delicate cookie base.
9. Finish by sprinkling crushed candy canes across the frosted cookies, adding a festive crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies’ shape.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to add festive pink or red swirls without altering the frosting’s consistency.
• Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks, perfect for make-ahead holiday baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg