Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh with 5 Cozy Tips

Name: Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 1 h 1 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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 topping

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me during the holidays—juggling shopping lists, school events, work deadlines, and a kitchen that somehow always needs wiping—then Peppermint Meltaways are about to become your new December best friend. These buttery little cookies live up to their name. They melt, they delight, and they make your home smell like you’ve invited Christmas itself to come in and stay awhile.

And yes, —Peppermint Meltaways—slides perfectly into this moment, because these cookies aren’t just adorable. They’re the kind of treat that makes even the busiest of us feel like holiday baking queens without the stress (or the sink full of bowls).

Let’s get cozy, friend.

Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Meltaways

Peppermint Meltaways hit all the marks we crave during the holidays: simple ingredients, easy steps, and a flavor that feels like a festive hug. As a busy mom and chef who believes in letting appliances and simple recipes do the heavy lifting, I love dessert recipes that make you look like you spent all day baking—when really, you were wrapping gifts while the dough chilled.

These cookies are:

Buttery and soft enough to melt on your tongue
Minty without being overpowering
Pretty enough for holiday gifting
Quick enough for weeknight baking
Loved by kids, adults, and even those mysterious “I don’t like sweets” people

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of Peppermint Meltaways—no fancy tools or rare ingredients in sight.

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

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, but adorable)
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways

Light the tree, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s bake something magical.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until it’s soft, fluffy, and basically begging to become cookies. Beat in the peppermint extract for that refreshing holiday aroma we wait for all year.

2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to your buttery base and stir until everything is well combined. This dough is soft and tender—just like the cookies will be.

3. Chill Out (Literally)

Cover your dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay round and beautiful instead of turning into little holiday pancakes in the oven.

4. Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll the dough into cute 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. They need breathing room—just like all of us during the holiday rush.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops won’t brown much, and that’s exactly what you want. Transfer to wire racks and let them cool completely.

6. Make the Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Then add confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and those festive little drops of food coloring if you’d like a pink peppermint moment. Mix until silky smooth.

7. Decorate Like a Pro

Spread frosting over each cooled cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let them set before serving—or don’t. I won’t tell.

Peppermint Meltaways arranged on a white plate sprinkled with crushed peppermint candy — Soft and minty Peppermint Meltaways topped with crushed peppermint for the perfect holiday treat.

Serving Suggestions

Peppermint Meltaways pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa (extra marshmallows, of course) or peppermint tea. They look stunning on a holiday dessert table and even better wrapped in a small gift box for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, or that friend who always shows up with cozy blankets and big hugs.

Mounia’s Little Story From the Kitchen

This recipe came to my rescue one December when my to-do list was so long it felt like Santa’s scroll. I needed something festive but easy—a cookie that made me feel like I hadn’t completely abandoned my holiday baking dreams. Peppermint Meltaways swooped in like a culinary superhero. My kids loved decorating them, and I loved that it didn’t take a million steps or make me scrub pots well into the night.

Cooking is supposed to comfort us, not exhaust us—and these cookies do exactly that.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meltaways

Soft butter is key. Not melted—just soft enough to press a thumb into easily.
Don’t skip chilling. It keeps the cookies round and lovely.
If your frosting looks too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? More sugar. It’s cookie science—fun and forgiving.
Crushing peppermint candies? Put them in a zip-top bag and tap gently with a rolling pin. Keyword: gently. Unless you want peppermint dust all over your counter (ask me how I know).

FAQs About Peppermint Meltaways

Can I make Peppermint Meltaways ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and freeze them unfrosted for up to a month. Add the frosting and candies after thawing.

Do I have to use food coloring?

Nope! It’s purely optional. The cookies taste just as magical without it, but the pink frosting does add that Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh look.

Can I swap peppermint extract for vanilla?

You sure can. They’ll still be delicious, though they won’t have that classic minty holiday charm.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The candies may soften slightly over time, but the flavors stay amazing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes—just use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch already helps with that soft, meltaway texture.

Bringing It All Home with Peppermint Meltaways

There’s something magical about slowing down, even just for a moment, to bake a treat that fills your home with minty, buttery warmth. Peppermint Meltaways bring comfort, joy, and a spark of festive color to your holiday season—without demanding hours in the kitchen. They’re easy, cozy, and a little bit nostalgic, just the way the holidays should feel.

I hope these Peppermint Meltaways bring as much happiness to your table as they do to mine. Now go enjoy a cookie (or three)—you deserve it.

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood to keep the holiday baking magic going, here are a few delicious ideas your family and friends will adore. Each one pairs beautifully with the cozy vibes of your Peppermint Meltaways and adds even more sweetness to your celebration.

For another peppermint treat that makes a gorgeous homemade gift, try this irresistible Salted Peppermint Bark.
If soft, frosted cookie bars are more your style, these cheerful Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars are always a hit at parties.
When you need a quick crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, this creamy and addictive Christmas Crack Dip never disappoints.
For something whimsical and fun—especially for kids—these adorable Grinch Mini Cheesecakes bring a touch of playful holiday spirit to any dessert table.
And if you’re craving a colorful, eye-catching cookie to brighten up your holiday platter, these festive Christmas Pinwheel Cookies are a must-try.