Peppermint Meltaways Recipe for Soft, Refreshing Holiday Treats

Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup softened butter; – 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; – 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; – 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 1/2 cup cornstarch; – 2 tablespoons softened butter; – 2 tablespoons 2% milk; – 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; – 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional); – 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar; – 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies for sprinkling

By:

Brandi Oshea

Published:

December 27, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaways

Peppermint Meltaways are a delightful treat that combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave something special. These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, appealing to home cooks and baking enthusiasts who want quick results without sacrificing flavor. With their unique blend of ingredients, they offer a balance of sweetness and coolness that sets them apart from traditional cookies.

One key reason you’ll enjoy making these is their ease of preparation, which allows you to create delicious treats in just a short time. They also pack nutritional advantages, as seen in the approximate values per cookie: 126 calories, 7 grams fat (with 4 grams saturated), 18 mg cholesterol, 56 mg sodium, 15 grams carbohydrates (including 9 grams sugars), and 1 gram protein. For more on how peppermint can enhance your wellness, check out this resource on peppermint benefits.

These meltaways are versatile, adapting to various dietary needs while delivering a distinctive, refreshing flavor that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re a busy parent or a student looking for a simple dessert, this recipe fits right in and encourages everyone to bake with joy.

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

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating perfect Peppermint Meltaways, and using high-quality items ensures the best results. This section breaks down everything you need, focusing on precise measurements for clarity. Remember, these components come together to form soft cookies that melt in your mouth.

Main Ingredients List

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

Frosting Ingredients List

2 tablespoons softened butter
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (for sprinkling)

This structured list covers all the essentials, making it simple for anyone to follow along. Special dietary options include using plant-based margarine instead of butter for vegan needs, or gluten-free flour blends in place of all-purpose flour. For insights into how sugar plays a role in baking, visit this article on sugar’s importance.

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

Creating Peppermint Meltaways is a straightforward process that begins with gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven. These soft cookies start by creaming the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, then beating in the peppermint extract for that signature flavor. Follow along with this detailed guide to achieve bakery-quality results every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Next, beat in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to infuse the dough with its refreshing taste. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch, then gradually mix this into the butter mixture until just combined.

Step 2: Chill and Shape

Once the dough is formed, chill it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading during baking. After chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and shape the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. If you’re looking for more dessert ideas, try our mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe for a cool complement.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned, then cool them completely on wire racks before adding frosting. For the frosting, beat 2 tablespoons softened butter until creamy, and add 2 tablespoons 2% milk, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, and optionally 2 to 3 drops of red food coloring. Gradually beat in 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar until smooth, then spread it over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies.

Step 4: Final Touches and Storage

Once frosted, store the finished cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Tips for best results include using a cookie scoop for uniform sizes, avoiding overmixing the dry ingredients, and adjusting frosting thickness with extra confectioners’ sugar if needed. Variations can involve substituting peppermint with other flavors, like adding white chocolate chips for a festive twist, or using a piping bag for a professional look.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Peppermint Meltaways

Adapting Peppermint Meltaways to fit different dietary preferences is simple and rewarding, allowing everyone from busy parents to diet-conscious individuals to enjoy them. For instance, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to accommodate plant-based diets without losing that creamy texture. These changes ensure the cookies remain soft and flavorful while meeting various needs.

Other options include using almond flour or gluten-free blends instead of all-purpose flour for those with sensitivities. You can also enhance the recipe by adding crushed peppermint candies for more flavor or incorporating natural sweeteners like stevia to reduce calories. This flexibility makes the recipe versatile for food enthusiasts and seniors alike.

Mastering Peppermint Meltaways: Advanced Tips and Variations

To elevate your baking skills with Peppermint Meltaways, start by incorporating pro techniques like chilling the dough before baking to improve texture and prevent spreading. For flavor variations, mix in white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to add a festive twist that appeals to baking enthusiasts. Presentation is key, so consider dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling melted dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Make-ahead options are ideal for working professionals; prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to three months, thawing before baking and frosting. Cookies keep best when fresh but can be made 2 to 3 days ahead, stored unfrosted. These tips, along with avoiding overmixing, help ensure perfect results every time.

How to Store Peppermint Meltaways: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to maintain the soft texture of Peppermint Meltaways, so keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need longer preservation, freezing works well by placing the cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheating can be done gently in a low-temperature oven to restore their melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Meal prep considerations include batch baking to enjoy these treats over time, ensuring no loss in flavor or texture. This approach is perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to have homemade goodies ready when needed.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Meltaways

How far in advance can I make peppermint meltaways?

Peppermint meltaways can be made 2 to 3 days before serving. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. While they are safe to enjoy after a few days, these treats taste best when eaten fresh, as their texture and peppermint flavor are most vibrant shortly after preparation.

What’s the best way to adjust the frosting thickness for peppermint meltaways?

To thicken the frosting, gradually add confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue until the frosting reaches a spreadable but firm consistency that holds its shape well on the meltaways without running.

Can peppermint meltaways be stored in the refrigerator or freezer?

Yes, peppermint meltaways can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to one month. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft texture and full flavor.

What ingredients are needed for homemade peppermint meltaways?

Typical ingredients include white chocolate or melting wafers, peppermint extract, confectioners’ sugar, butter or cream cheese for creaminess, and crushed peppermint candies for garnish. Using high-quality ingredients enhances flavor and ensures the meltaways have a smooth, creamy texture.

How can I make peppermint meltaways without a mixer?

To make peppermint meltaways without a mixer, use a sturdy spoon or spatula to blend softened ingredients thoroughly by hand. Be patient, mixing evenly until smooth. This method works best if the butter or cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier incorporation.

Peppermint Meltaways Recipe for Soft, Refreshing Holiday Treats

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaways