Peppermint Meltaways Recipe Easy Holiday Cookies

By:

Brandi Oshea

Published:

February 9, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaways

These peppermint meltaways stand out as a top choice for holiday baking. They bring joy to any cookie tray with their soft texture and refreshing taste. Home cooks love how they fit busy schedules while delivering big flavor.

Ease of Preparation

Whip up the dough in minutes using basic pantry items like butter and powdered sugar.
Chill for just 30 minutes, then bake for 9 to 11 minutes at 350°F, for a total time around one hour.

No fancy tools needed; a mixer or spoon works fine for busy parents and students.

This simplicity makes peppermint meltaways ideal for quick holiday treats. You get tender meltaway cookies without hours in the kitchen.

Health Benefits

Portion-controlled at about 36 cookies per batch, helping diet-conscious folks enjoy sweets mindfully.

Egg-free recipe reduces allergens, and cornstarch adds a light feel.
Peppermint extract aids digestion, adding a fresh twist to indulgences.

These perks let food enthusiasts savor peppermint cookies guilt-free during festive times.

Versatility

Adapt for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie needs with simple swaps.
Perfect for cookie swaps, gifting, or pairing with hot cocoa.
Scale up for large gatherings or down for small families.

Such flexibility suits newlyweds, seniors, and working professionals alike.

Distinctive Flavor

Cool peppermint hits with buttery richness for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Powdered sugar coating and optional glaze boost the holiday vibe.
Crushed candy canes add crunch without overpowering.

This unique profile sets peppermint meltaway cookies apart from standard shortbread cookies.

Overall, these holiday cookies spark joy around the table, aligning with our passion for simple, flavorful recipes at Juicy Cooking.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaways
2. Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Peppermint Meltaways: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peppermint Meltaways
5. Mastering Peppermint Meltaways: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Peppermint Meltaways: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Meltaways
8. Peppermint Meltaways

Essential Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways

Gather these items for classic peppermint meltaways. Each plays a key role in the soft, minty result.

Main Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter – Provides richness and the signature melt-away texture.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the dough lightly and helps with tenderness.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Delivers the cool, festive mint flavor.

1 1/4 cups flour – Forms the structure; all-purpose works best for chew.
1/2 cup cornstarch – Keeps cookies soft and prevents toughness.
Extra powdered sugar for rolling – Creates the snowy coating post-bake.

1 cup crushed candy canes or chocolate mints – Adds crunch and visual appeal (optional topping).

For the Optional Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar – Base for smooth drizzle.
2 tablespoons milk – Thins the glaze to drizzling consistency.
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract – Reinforces the mint taste.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil; use almond milk in glaze.

Gluten-free: Replace flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Low-calorie: Use light butter and sugar-free powdered sugar alternative.

These choices keep your meltaway cookies accessible for all.

How to Prepare the Perfect Peppermint Meltaways: Step-by-Step Guide

Making peppermint meltaways at home proves straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time. This easy peppermint meltaways recipe yields about 36 cookies.

First Step: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Soft butter works best, so let 1 cup sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Measure 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 1/4 cups flour, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Line baking sheets with parchment. Preheat oven to 350°F. This mise en place speeds things up for busy schedules.

Second Step: Cream Butter Mixture Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract in a bowl until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Scrape sides often. For vegan adapts, use margarine here. This incorporates air for lightness in your peppermint meltaway cookies.

Third Step: Mix in Dry Ingredients Combine flour and cornstarch, then add to wet mix gradually. Stir until just blended; avoid overmixing to keep tenderness. Dough forms soft ball. If crumbly, add 1 teaspoon milk. Gluten-free flour swaps seamlessly at this stage.

Fourth Step: Chill the Dough Wrap dough in plastic and chill 30-60 minutes. This prevents spreading during bake. For low-cal version, chill time stays same. Patience here ensures pro texture.

Fifth Step: Shape Cookies Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart on sheets. Flatten slightly if desired. For holidays, press in crushed candy canes now. Yield hits 36 easily.

Sixth Step: Bake to Perfection Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until set but pale. Centers stay soft. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to rack. Overbaking toughens, so watch closely.

Seventh Step: Coat and Glaze Roll warm cookies in extra powdered sugar. Cool fully, then drizzle glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Add toppings. Use plant milk for vegan glaze.

Final Step: Serve and Enjoy Let set 30 minutes. Pair with tea or as holiday peppermint cookies recipe standout. Store as detailed later. Total time: 1 hour active plus chill.

Quick Reference Baking Times
Step	Time	Temp
Chill	30-60 min	Fridge
Bake	9-11 min	350°F
Cool on sheet	5 min	Room temp

These steps make soft peppermint meltaways foolproof. Adapt for preferences throughout.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peppermint Meltaways

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Though low-protein, butter and flour anchor the recipe. Swap butter for coconut oil in vegan versions. Use almond flour for 1/4 cup of regular flour to boost nutty tenderness without gluten. These keep meltaway cookies intact for varied needs.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

No veggies here, but tweak seasonings freely. Double peppermint extract for bolder mint in peppermint cookies. Skip glaze or use sugar-free for low-cal. Add vanilla for softer holiday cookies. Seasonal crushed peppermint works year-round with alternatives like chocolate chips.

Substitution Guide
Original	Alternative	Best For
Butter	Coconut oil	Vegan
Flour	GF blend	Gluten-free
Milk	Almond milk	Dairy-free

Mastering Peppermint Meltaways: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your peppermint meltaways recipe to the next level with these ideas.

Pro Cooking Techniques: Use room-temp butter, beat well for air. Chill longer if humid. Test bake one cookie first.

Double-roll in powdered sugar after full cooling for even coating.

Flavor Variations: Mix in chocolate chips or dip half in melted chocolate. Try [mint chocolate chip ice cream](https://juicycooking.com/mint-chocolate-chip-ice-cream/) as a scoop alongside for extra fun.

Presentation Tips: Stack in tins with parchment layers. Dust with green sugar for pop.

Make-Ahead Options: Freeze dough balls up to a month. Bake fresh. Inspired by sources like this detailed peppermint meltaways guide.

Experiment like with cream cheese cookies for more easy bakes. These tweaks yield pro results.

How to Store Peppermint Meltaways: Best Practices

Keep your holiday cookies fresh with smart storage.

Refrigeration: Airtight container with parchment layers lasts 1-2 weeks at room temp, 3 weeks chilled. Avoid direct light.

Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed cookies single-layer first, then bag for 3 months. Thaw 30 minutes, re-sugar.

Reheating: Room temp best; microwave 5 seconds if needed, but watch softness.

Meal Prep Considerations: Batch bake, freeze for swaps. Use silica packets against humidity.

Peppermint meltaways resist staleness thanks to cornstarch.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Meltaways

What are peppermint meltaways?

Peppermint meltaways are delicate, shortbread-style cookies that literally melt in your mouth thanks to their high butter content and powdered sugar coating. They’re flavored with peppermint extract for a cool, minty taste, often topped with crushed candy canes or chocolate mints. Perfect for holiday baking, these cookies have a tender crumb without eggs, relying on cornstarch for that signature soft texture. A typical batch yields about 36 cookies and takes around 30 minutes to bake after chilling the dough. They’re gluten-free adaptable with the right flour swap and stay fresh in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting in tins.

How do you make peppermint meltaways at home?

Start with 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1 1/4 cups flour, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Cream butter, sugar, and extract until fluffy (2-3 minutes). Mix in dry ingredients to form dough. Chill 30 minutes, roll into 1-inch balls, bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes until set but not browned. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar. For glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; drizzle on cooled cookies. Total time: 1 hour. Pro tip: Use real butter for best melt-away texture—store-bought dough alternative works in a pinch but lacks flavor.

Can you freeze peppermint meltaways?

Yes, peppermint meltaways freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Bake and cool cookies completely, then place in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray to freeze solid (about 2 hours). Transfer to freezer bags, squeezing out air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling in fresh powdered sugar to restore crispness. Unglazed cookies freeze best; add glaze after thawing. This method keeps their tender texture intact—no sogginess. Label bags with date for easy tracking. Great for holiday prep: bake now, freeze, and serve fresh later. Avoid refreezing thawed cookies to maintain quality.

How long do peppermint meltaways last?

Freshly baked peppermint meltaways stay soft and flavorful in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking from powdered sugar. In the fridge, they last up to 3 weeks but may dry out—let them come to room temp before eating. Freezing extends life to 3 months, as noted earlier. Signs they’re past prime: hardened texture or faded mint scent. Humidity shortens shelf life, so use silica packets in containers. A fun fact: their cornstarch base resists staleness better than traditional cookies, making them ideal for shipping to family.

What are tips for perfect peppermint meltaway texture?

For melt-in-your-mouth results, use room-temperature butter (not melted) and beat thoroughly for air incorporation. Don’t overmix dough—stop when just combined to avoid toughness. Chill dough 30-60 minutes to prevent spreading. Bake on parchment-lined sheets at 350°F until edges are set but centers pale (9-11 minutes); overbaking toughens them. Cool on the pan first for structure. Double-roll in powdered sugar after full cooling for even coating. Sub almond flour for 1/4 cup regular flour for extra tenderness. If too crumbly, add 1 teaspoon milk. Test one cookie first to dial in your oven’s hot spots. These tweaks yield pro-level cookies every time.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe Easy Holiday Cookies