Print

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 110 reviews

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a light peppermint frosting and crushed peppermint candies. These festive treats combine a soft, meltaway texture with a refreshing peppermint flavor, making them ideal for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, or cozy winter evenings. Easy to prepare and wonderfully festive, these cookies bring joyful holiday spirit to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2–3 drops red food coloring (optional)
  • Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the peppermint extract to infuse the dough with a festive peppermint aroma.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt to combine evenly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, blending gently until a soft dough forms.
  3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhances the texture.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets to allow even expansion.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned, indicating they are done. Remove the baking sheets from the oven, then transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  6. Prepare the Frosting: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Mix until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  7. Decorate: Spread the prepared frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for garnish and let the frosting set before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the cookie shape and achieve the perfect texture.
  • For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust the peppermint extract to taste but avoid overdoing it as it can become overpowering.
  • Use crushed peppermint candies to add texture and festive color, but ensure they are finely crushed to avoid large chunks.
  • The frosting can be omitted if you prefer a simpler cookie with just the peppermint flavor in the dough.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Peppermint meltaways, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, buttery melt-in-your-mouth cookies, festive cookies, Christmas treats, peppermint frosting

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/peppermint-meltaways-recipe/