Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that simply melts away on your tongue, you’re in for a treat with these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies. This dreamy confection is tender, buttery, with just the right swirl of cooling mint and a snowy blizzard of sweet glaze and crushed peppermint on top. Whether you’re planning your holiday cookie box or just in need of a little wintry cheer, these cookies promise to steal the spotlight and disappear fast!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies comes from simple ingredients that each play their part in sculpting that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing pop of peppermint. Nothing fussy, just well-chosen staples that deliver a cookie worth dreaming about.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their irresistible richness and delicate crumb. Let it reach room temperature for easy creaming.
• Powdered Sugar: For both the cookie base and the glaze, this ultra-fine sugar keeps the cookies tender and adds a satiny smooth finish.
• Peppermint Extract: Just the right amount infuses every bite with that cool, refreshing mint essence—a must for the classic vibe.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure so your cookies hold together but still stay soft and light.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret to the meltaway texture—don’t skip it! It softens the crumb and almost dissolves on the tongue.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and lifts all the flavors.
• Milk (for glaze): Use a spoonful or two to create a pourable, glossy glaze.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: These sparkling, crunchy bits add both beauty and extra burst of peppermint at the very end.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting these steps out of the way first makes the whole process flow smoothly, and ensures your cookies won’t stick or overbake.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together your softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes and is the key to giving your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies their tender crumb.

Step 3: Mix in the Peppermint

Add the peppermint extract and blend until it’s fully incorporated. This is where that fresh, wintery aroma starts to waft through your kitchen—don’t be surprised if the cookie dough alone draws a crowd!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, mixing on low just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing for the most delicate results!

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10–12 minutes; the cookies should be set around the edges but still look pale. Let them cool on a wire rack—handling too soon can cause them to break, as they’re wonderfully fragile.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Once the cookies have cooled completely, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract to make your glaze. Dip the tops of the cookies in the glaze (or drizzle it over), then sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candies while still wet. Let them set before stacking or serving.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Garnishes

While crushed peppermint is classic, you can add sparkle with a pinch of edible glitter, shimmer sugar, or even a gentle dusting of extra powdered sugar for a soft snowy touch. Pair this with a little mint leaf or a tiny chocolate chip for an extra flourish.

Side Dishes

These cookies are stunning with a mug of hot cocoa, a creamy chai latte, or a cup of rich, dark coffee. For special holiday parties, serve them alongside other classic treats like gingerbread, snowball cookies, or chocolate-dipped biscotti.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, stack Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon, or arrange them like little mounds of snow on a cake stand. Pop one onto the rim of each guest’s cocoa cup, or mix them into a holiday dessert board with fruits and chocolate truffles for a dessert everyone will remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay tender and delicious for about 5 days. If you have several layers, slip a sheet of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies freeze beautifully, both as baked cookies and as dough. For baked cookies, wait until the glaze sets, then layer with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze unbaked balls of dough on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag—just thaw and bake whenever you crave home-baked cookies!

Reheating

These cookies are delicate, so reheating should be gentle. If you want to freshen them up, let them come to room temperature or warm on the lowest oven setting (about 200°F) for just a few minutes—just enough to revive the texture without melting the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil is far more concentrated than extract! If using oil, start with just a drop or two, and taste the dough—it’s best to add slowly to avoid overpowering the cookies.

My dough is too soft to roll—what should I do?

No worries! Simply chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This helps it firm up, making rolling and shaping a breeze.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Expect the cookies to be just as buttery and melt-in-the-mouth.

How can I avoid overbaking them?

Watch for the edges to be set but not browning—the cookies should remain pale. Every oven is a bit different, so start checking at the 10-minute mark for that perfect soft texture.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place the candies in a ziplock bag and bash them gently with a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass. Aim for a mix of fine powder and small shards for both color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall for these Peppermint Meltaway Cookies! I hope you’ll try this recipe and discover just how magical, festive, and easy meltaway cookies can be. Share them at your next gathering, pop them in a gift box, or sneak a few with your favorite evening tea—you deserve every sweet, minty bite.

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