Peppermint Meltaways – A Festive Treat You Will Love

Peppermint meltaways are one of the easiest cookies I make when I want something sweet with a cool holiday touch. They only need a few simple ingredients, and the result is soft and tender with a light peppermint flavor that melts the moment you take a bite. I enjoy how calm and easy they feel. The dough comes together in minutes and the cookies bake quickly into delicate rounds that stay smooth and crumbly.

I often make these cookies when guests stop by or when I want a small festive treat after dinner. They also pair well with many of the other seasonal recipes I have shared. If you enjoy these meltaways, you might also like my Festive Christmas Bread, which carries the same cozy holiday comfort in a different style.

This recipe works well for family baking, cookie swaps, and holiday parties. These cookies are easy to prepare and bake quickly, which makes them perfect for busy days during the holiday season.

Why This Recipe Works

Gentle mint flavor

The mint taste is refreshing without being overpowering. It blends with the buttery cookie base in a smooth way that makes the flavor feel clean and pleasant.

Soft and delicate texture

The powdered sugar and cornstarch give these cookies their signature feel. They stay light and tender after baking.

Easy for new bakers

There are no complicated steps. The dough comes together fast and stays easy to shape.

Great for gifting

Peppermint meltaways look beautiful in a tin with a bit of holiday ribbon. The pale cookie with a touch of crushed peppermint feels cheerful and bright.

Seasonal charm

The bright peppermint flavor pairs well with winter desserts and brings a classic holiday taste to the table.

Ingredients

Before you begin, measure and organize your ingredients so the process runs smoothly from start to finish.

For the cookies

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Powdered sugar
• Unsalted butter at room temperature
• Peppermint extract
• Salt

For the peppermint glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Peppermint extract
• Crushed peppermint candies

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Step 1: Prepare the dough

Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and mix until the texture becomes creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract. The aroma will be fresh but not too strong.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

Sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt together. Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough turns soft and smooth. The dough will feel tender but should hold its shape.

Step 3: Chill the dough

Place the dough in the fridge for thirty minutes. This step keeps the cookies from spreading too much, giving them a clean round shape.

Step 4: Roll and bake

Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for ten to twelve minutes. The tops should look dry but not brown.

Step 5: Cool the cookies

Place the cookies on a rack and let them cool completely. They will feel fragile while warm, so move them with care.

Make the Peppermint Glaze

Step 1: Mix the glaze

Place powdered sugar and a small amount of milk in a bowl. Add a drop or two of peppermint extract. Stir until the texture becomes smooth and easy to drizzle.

Step 2: Add the topping

Spoon a small amount of glaze onto each cookie. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top while the glaze is still wet so they stick well.

Expert Tips

Use room temperature butter for a smooth dough.
Do not skip the chilling time because it helps keep the cookies round.
Add peppermint extract slowly so the flavor stays gentle.
Move baked cookies carefully since they are delicate.
Store the cookies in a cool place so the glaze sets well.

Storage and Make Ahead

Peppermint meltaways stay fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between the layers so the cookies do not stick together.

You can freeze the cookies before glazing them. Freeze them flat on a tray, then store them in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature and glaze them before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Use almond extract for a sweet twist without mint.
Add vanilla extract for a softer flavor.
Replace the glaze with melted white chocolate for a different texture.
Add a touch of food coloring to the glaze for a soft pink finish.

Serving Ideas

Serve these cookies with warm cocoa or coffee during the holidays. Add them to a cookie tray for parties or package them in a tin for gifting. They also make a lovely small dessert after dinner.

FAQs

What makes peppermint meltaways so soft?
The mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch gives the cookies a delicate texture that dissolves quickly when you bite into them.

Can I replace peppermint extract with another flavor?
Yes. Almond or vanilla extract both work well, but the cookie will lose its mint-inspired holiday taste.

Can I make these ahead for holiday parties?
Yes. Chill the dough a day ahead or bake the cookies in advance and freeze them. Add the glaze right before serving.

Do peppermint meltaways need to be refrigerated?
No. They stay soft at room temperature, but keep them in a cool place so the glaze stays firm.