Name: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 45 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that just melts in your mouth with a subtle kiss of peppermint, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe. These delicate little treats combine the tender, buttery softness of classic meltaway cookies with a refreshing hint of peppermint, and they’re crowned with a luscious peppermint buttercream sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Whether you’re making treats for the holidays or simply craving something sweet and festive, this recipe brings joy in every bite and will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a stack of two soft, light beige cookies with a thick layer of pale pink frosting between them, topped with another cookie that has a bite taken out. The frosting is creamy with small pieces of red and white candy sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. The cookies are set on a white marbled surface with some cookie crumbs and candy bits scattered around. The background is a soft, plain light beige that keeps the focus on the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a starring role in achieving the perfect tender texture and bright, festive flavor. From the rich butter that forms the cookie’s base to the peppermint extracts that bring that cool, refreshing note, every item on this list is essential.

Unsalted butter: Provides the rich, creamy foundation for both cookie dough and buttercream, ensuring tenderness and flavor.
Confectioners’ sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicate texture, perfect for the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Egg yolk: Binds the dough while adding richness without making the cookies cakey.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor depth, balancing the peppermint perfectly.
Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that infuses the dough and frosting with a cool, minty freshness.
All-purpose flour: The bulk of the cookie’s structure, spooned and leveled for precise texture.
Cornstarch: Essential for that signature meltaway texture that makes these cookies so dreamy.
Baking powder: Gives a slight lift, ensuring cookies aren’t dense but still delicate.
Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and flavors.
Milk (dairy or nondairy): Used in the buttercream to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Crushed candy canes: Adds festive crunch and visual appeal as a final sprinkle on the frosting.
Optional food coloring: A drop of red or pink gel food coloring brightens the frosting with a holiday vibe.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter with confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because the air you incorporate here lays the foundation for that meltaway texture. Make sure to scrape down the bowl sides to combine everything perfectly as you mix.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Extracts

Next, blend in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. These ingredients not only bind the dough but also layer in rich flavor and that unmistakable peppermint note that makes this cookie unique.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients into Dough

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt separately before adding them to the wet mixture. Beat everything on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and creamy, the perfect consistency for the next step.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, but you can chill it for up to 3 days. This chilling step is mandatory because it helps develop the dough’s texture and flavor while making it easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls, place them on parchment-lined baking sheets spaced 3 inches apart, and flatten slightly just under 2 inches in diameter. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes. The cookies won’t brown much, so watch closely to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes then transfer them to a cooling rack until completely cooled. This prevents your frosting from melting and sliding off.

Step 7: Prepare the Peppermint Buttercream

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until smooth and fluffy. If you like a little color, add a drop of food coloring now. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spread a generous layer of buttercream on each cookie and finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes to add festive sparkle and crunch.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

A white speckled plate holds eleven round shortbread cookies, each topped with one thick, swirled layer of pale pink frosting. The frosting has a smooth and creamy texture, spreading slightly beyond the cookie edges. On top of the frosting are small pieces of crushed red and white candy canes, scattered unevenly. One cookie is slightly raised above the others and has a bite showing a soft, crumbly light beige interior. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a candy cane in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling crushed candy canes over the frosting not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the peppermint aroma, making each cookie a festive feast for both eyes and palate. You can also add a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar for an extra snowy effect.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The warm richness of your beverage contrasts perfectly with the cool peppermint flavor, creating a comforting and indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming gift or party platter, arrange the cookies on a festive plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a pop of greenery. You can also stack them with wax paper between layers and wrap them in cellophane tied with a red ribbon to create an irresistible homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Frosted cookies can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to one day without losing their signature meltaway texture. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to five days—but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked, flattened cookie dough balls for up to three months, baking them straight from the freezer with a slight increase in baking time. This is a fantastic way to prep ahead for holiday baking marathons. However, freezing baked cookies is not recommended because the delicate texture changes upon thawing.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, gently warm cookies in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat as these cookies are delicate and can lose their character if baked again too long.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

While peppermint extract is key to achieving that refreshing coolness typical of this recipe, you could use spearmint extract or skip it altogether for a vanilla meltaway. Just note that the distinct peppermint flavor will be missing.

Why is cornstarch important in this recipe?

Cornstarch is what gives these cookies their legendary meltaway texture. It softens the flour’s gluten development, resulting in that tender crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue. Replacing it with another starch or skipping it will affect the cookie’s signature softness.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! You’d need to substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of egg yolk, and ensure your confectioners’ sugar and milk alternatives are vegan-friendly. The texture may vary slightly but still delicious.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for garnish?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan until you have small, uneven pieces. This gives wonderful texture and visual appeal without overpowering the cookie’s delicate peppermint note.

Can I make the buttercream ahead of time?

Absolutely! Buttercream can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before frosting, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip to refresh its light and airy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is a total showstopper for anyone looking for a cookie that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time. The tender crumb, the bright peppermint flavor, and that oh-so-creamy frosting with crunchy candy canes all come together in a way that’s truly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and enjoy the magic these cookies bring to your kitchen and holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try them, peppermint meltaways will become a beloved classic in your cookie jar!