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Peppermint Meltaways

These award-winning cookies combine a tender, buttery base with peppermint flavoring, topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for a festive holiday treat.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:20:31 GMT
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A close-up of sugar cookies topped with pink icing and sprinkled with crushed peppermint. Save it
A close-up of sugar cookies topped with pink icing and sprinkled with crushed peppermint. | myhomemaderecipe.com

These peppermint meltaways are pure holiday magic in cookie form. After perfecting this recipe I've discovered the secret to achieving that incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with just the right amount of peppermint flavor. The way they literally dissolve on your tongue makes them absolutely irresistible.

Holiday Cookie Magic

What makes these peppermint meltaways so special is their delicate texture combined with that refreshing minty flavor. The light buttery cookies topped with fluffy peppermint frosting create such a wonderful combination. My family starts requesting them as soon as the holiday season begins.

What You'll Need

  • Butter: Room temperature for perfect texture.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Makes them melt away.
  • Peppermint Extract: Pure not imitation.
  • Flour: Measured with care.
  • Cornstarch: The secret to tenderness.
  • Peppermint Candies: For that festive finish.

Let's Start Baking

Create Your Base
Mix those ingredients with gentle care.
Time to Shape
Roll perfect little spheres of joy.
Add the Magic
Top with peppermint frosting and sparkly candy bits.

Success Tips

The secret to perfect peppermint meltaways lies in the details. Using a cookie scoop ensures they're all the same size and bake evenly. And don't rush the frosting process that final sprinkle of crushed peppermint adds such a lovely holiday touch.

Keep Them Fresh

These peppermint meltaways stay wonderful when stored properly. I love making extra unfrosted cookies to freeze then just thaw and frost them when needed. They're perfect for holiday cookie platters or packaging up as sweet gifts for friends and family.

A plate of round, frosted cookies with pink icing and sprinkled crushed peppermint on top. Save it
A plate of round, frosted cookies with pink icing and sprinkled crushed peppermint on top. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the dough?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape into balls. This helps maintain the cookies' shape during baking.

→ Why is cornstarch used?

Cornstarch helps create the meltaway texture by making the cookies extra tender and delicate.

→ When should I add the crushed candies?

Add crushed peppermint candies immediately after frosting so they stick properly to the frosting.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cookies from drying out.

→ Why cream the butter and sugar so long?

Creaming for 3-4 minutes incorporates air, creating a lighter, fluffier cookie texture.

Peppermint Meltaways

Tender, buttery cookies flavored with peppermint and topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar.
03 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
04 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
05 1/2 cup cornstarch.
06 2 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting).
07 2 tablespoons 2% milk.
08 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting).
09 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional).
10 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (for frosting).
11 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies.

Instructions

Step 01

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in extract. Whisk flour and cornstarch, then gradually beat into mixture.

Step 02

Refrigerate covered for 30 minutes until firm enough to handle.

Step 03

Shape into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until bottoms are light brown.

Step 04

Beat butter until creamy. Add milk, extract and optional food coloring. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth.

Step 05

Spread frosting on cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

Notes

  1. Contest winning recipe.
  2. Store in airtight container.
  3. Food coloring is optional.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Mixer.
  • Wire racks.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 126
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 1 g