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Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight – Soft, Buttery & Perfectly Minty

These Peppermint Meltaways are the ultimate holiday cookie — soft, buttery, minty, and impossibly delicate. They literally melt the moment they touch your tongue, leaving behind a cool peppermint sweetness and a hint of vanilla warmth. Every holiday season deserves a cookie that feels magical, and meltaways deliver exactly that. Their texture is created by a blend of butter, powdered sugar, and cornstarch, giving them their signature airy crumb. A touch of peppermint extract adds freshness, while crushed peppermint candies add sparkle and crunch. Perfect for Christmas dessert trays, gifting, or cozy evenings by the fireplace, these cookies bring holiday joy in every bite.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling Time 27 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry & Flavoring Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • 3/4 tsp Peppermint extract
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar divided: part for dough, part for coating
  • 2 drops Red food coloring optional
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
Dairy
  • 1 1/8 cups Butter softened
  • 2 tbsp Milk
Desserts
  • Peppermint candies crushed (for topping)
  • Extra powdered sugar for coating and garnish

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Small rolling pin or spoon (to crush peppermint candies)

Method
 

step1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
step2:
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. This step is key to creating that meltaway texture.
step3:
  1. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the butter and beat until fluffy and well combined.
step4:
  1. Mix in the peppermint extract and optional red food coloring.
step5:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
step6:
  1. Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture, beating on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms.
step7:
  1. If the dough feels too dry, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it becomes soft and pliable.
step8:
  1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
step9:
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies look set and the bottoms are light golden. Do not overbake — meltaways should stay pale and tender.
step10:
  1. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm.
step11:
  1. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–6 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Freeze uncoated cookies for 2 months; thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
To refresh softness, warm in the microwave for 4 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Vanilla Meltaways — swap peppermint extract for pure vanilla extract.
Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways — add 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
Pink Peppermint Meltaways — add a drop of pink food coloring for a pastel look.
Coconut Meltaways — replace peppermint with coconut extract.
Snowball Meltaways — skip the candies and roll in powdered sugar twice for a snowy effect.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why are they called meltaways?
Because their high cornstarch and butter ratio makes them dissolve instantly in your mouth.
2. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes — use the same amount.
3. Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely — it’s optional.
4. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but 10 minutes of chilling helps prevent spreading.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
6. Why is my dough crumbly?
Add an extra teaspoon of milk until smooth.
7. Can I use crushed candy canes?
Yes — they work perfectly.
8. Why did my cookies crack?
Overmixing or too much flour can cause dryness — measure flour properly.
9. How do I make them extra minty?
Add an additional 1/4 tsp peppermint extract.
10. Can kids help make these?
Yes! It’s a great recipe for shaping and decorating with candy.
🏁 Conclusion
These Peppermint Meltaways are the perfect holiday cookie — delicate, buttery, festive, and bursting with cool peppermint flavor. They look beautiful on a Christmas tray, make thoughtful edible gifts, and bring the magic of the season into every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or preparing gifts from the kitchen, these cookies guarantee smiles and warmth.