Name: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2/3 cup (80g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 egg yolk, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar; 1–2 Tablespoons milk, at room temperature (dairy or nondairy); 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; Optional: 1 drop red or pink food coloring; 1/4 cup (40g) crushed candy canes (about 2–3 large candy canes)

There’s something magical about biting into a cookie that just melts away—soft, buttery, with a refreshing hint of peppermint. That’s exactly what you get with my Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe, a delightful treat that's perfect for cozy holiday moments or anytime you crave a little festive comfort.

The image shows a stack of three round, soft cookies with a light beige color. Between each cookie is a thick layer of light pink frosting with small pieces of red and white candy sprinkled inside. The top cookie has a bit taken from it, revealing a soft, crumbly inside. The cookies and frosting rest on a white plate with a wavy edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The background is soft and blurred with more cookies out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can honestly say that this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen. It combines a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right peppermint kick. These cookies aren’t just delicious—they bring back sweet memories of festive gatherings.

Unique Texture: The perfect blend of shortbread-like crumb and cakey softness that truly melts on your tongue.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip these up even with a busy schedule.
Customizable Flavor: That gentle peppermint note can be dialed up or down, plus you can add fun frosting and crushed candy canes.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies look as good as they taste, making them a hit at parties, gift boxes, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in building that tender, buttery texture with a delightful peppermint flavor. If you’re shopping, choosing quality vanilla and peppermint extracts amps up the cookie’s festive character beautifully.

Flat lay of a few large cubes of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white confectioners' sugar, one whole clean egg with an uncracked shell, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear peppermint extract, a simple mound of all-purpose flour, a neat pile of fine white cornstarch, a small heap of light beige baking powder powder, a small pinch of fine salt on the white ceramic surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale milk, and a small white ceramic bowl with crushed red and white candy canes, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is the star for creaminess and richness; it’s crucial for that meltaway feel.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Gives the dough its fine, tender crumb and sweetness without grittiness.
Egg Yolk: Adds moisture and richness without making the dough too wet.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Balances and deepens the flavor for a warm undertone.
Peppermint Extract: The festive punch that makes these cookies stand out—use sparingly for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the cookie’s structure; spooning and leveling ensures you don’t overload the dough.
Cornstarch: The secret weapon for added tenderness and that soft meltaway texture.
Baking Powder: Just enough lift without changing the delicate texture.
Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
Milk (for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect buttercream consistency, adjustable to your liking.
Crushed Candy Canes: Adds festive crunch and a burst of peppermint candy flavor on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. I've tweaked mine over time to suit different occasions—and you can too!

Variation: On some occasions, I’ve swapped peppermint extract for orange or almond extract to create a whole new cookie vibe, and it worked beautifully.
Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter and milk alternatives—the cookies still turn out tender and delicious.
Frosting Fun: If you prefer a drizzle instead of full frosting, melted white chocolate with a peppermint twist is a lovely alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

A white marbled surface holds a black cooling rack with two rows of round, light tan cookies. The top row shows seven cookies, each with a smooth layer of pale pink frosting that has a creamy texture and some small red sprinkles on top. Above the rack, a small white bowl holds more of the pink frosting with a black-handled spatula resting inside it. To the left of the rack, a woman's hand is spreading the pink frosting onto one of the cookies. Nearby, a small white bowl with pink crushed candy sits on a white cloth that has two red and white striped candy canes resting on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar to Perfection

Start by beating the butter on medium speed until it’s creamy—about a minute. This step sets the foundation for that tender texture. Then add the confectioners’ sugar. Beat it first slowly to avoid a sugar cloud, then crank it up to medium-high and mix for two minutes until your bowl holds a light, fluffy mixture. Scrape the sides to keep everything even.

Step 2: Add Flavor & Combine the Dry Ingredients

Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts on high speed until smooth and combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these to your wet ingredients on low speed until the dough becomes thick and creamy. Remember—this dough is soft but quite firm, so no worries if it feels a bit dense at this stage.

Step 3: Chill the Dough for Best Results

Wrap the dough tightly and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable because it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 4: Shape and Bake with Care

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats, and scoop dough into 1-tablespoon balls. Place them three inches apart to give them space to bake. Don't forget to gently flatten each ball with your palm to just under 2 inches wide—this little trick ensures a tender, delicate bite straight from your oven in about 13–14 minutes. The cookies shouldn't brown, so watch for edges to just set.

Step 5: Whip Up the Peppermint Buttercream

While the cookies cool completely on a rack, blend softened butter with confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extract for a smooth, fluffy frosting. Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or milk as you go. If you like a festive pop, add a drop of red or pink food coloring for a soft blush color.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Use an icing spatula or a butter knife to spread that creamy frosting over your cooled cookies. Then sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for crunch and a burst of peppermint candy that makes these cookies extra special.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small techniques can make your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe truly shine. Trust me: these tips will save you from common pitfalls and guarantee a crowd-pleasing batch.

Don’t Skip Chilling: The dough can be quite sticky, but chilling prevents spreading and helps create that hallmark meltaway texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and egg yolks that aren’t cold combine more smoothly, ensuring even texture and flavor.
Flatten Dough Balls Gently: Press them just enough to spread slightly during baking—too flat and they become crispy, too thick and they won’t melt away.
Watch Baking Time Closely: The cookies won't brown, so trust the feel of set edges and timing rather than color to avoid drying out.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

peppermint meltaway cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with freshly crushed candy canes because they add a festive crunch and visual sparkle. Sometimes, I also drizzle a little melted dark or white chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence—just like a little gift for your taste buds.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a classic eggnog. For a holiday party, I often include a variety of cheeses and fruit to balance the sweetness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, I arrange the cookies on a decorative platter lined with evergreen sprigs or place them in clear cellophane bags tied with bright ribbons—instant adorable gifts! You could also stack them with parchment paper in between for a charming cookie tower centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After frosting, I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the frosting’s texture without making the cookies hard. Bringing them to room temperature before serving brings back their meltaway softness.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing unfrosted dough balls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Then, just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. You can also freeze baked, cooled cookies without frosting—just thaw and frost fresh before serving.

Reheating

If you want to refresh leftover cookies, a few seconds in a microwave or a 5-minute warm-up in the oven at low heat works wonders to soften them back up without melting the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

You can, but peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract, so use only a very small amount—start with just a drop—to avoid overpowering the cookies. Peppermint extract is usually easier to manage for even flavor.

Why is chilling the dough so important?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps develop better flavor and texture, giving those signature meltaway qualities.

Can I skip the frosting?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own with their subtle sweetness and peppermint flavor. Frosting just adds a creamy layer of indulgence and a way to add crushed candy canes for texture.

What if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread more than expected, make sure your butter was properly chilled before mixing and that you measured your flour correctly. Sometimes slightly flattening the dough balls too much before baking can also cause extra spreading, so stick to the recommended size.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe has such a special place in my heart—it’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want to spread a little holiday cheer or indulge in a quiet moment. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these melt-in-your-mouth treats as much as I do. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be baking these every festive season (and maybe beyond!).