What are peppermint meltaways?

Peppermint meltaways are soft, tender shortbread-style cookies that literally melt in your mouth, thanks to a high butter content and powdered sugar coating. They're flavored with peppermint extract for a cool, minty taste and often topped with crushed candy canes for crunch and festive color. Popular during holidays, these cookies have a delicate crumb that dissolves on your tongue, unlike denser sugar cookies. A standard recipe yields about 3 dozen 1-inch cookies using simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, flour, cornstarch, peppermint extract, and vanilla. They're naturally gluten-free adaptable with almond flour swaps and low-carb friendly when using sugar alternatives. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges barely brown—no need for golden tops to keep them soft. Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting in tins.

How should you store peppermint meltaways?

Store peppermint meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week—they stay soft due to cornstarch. Layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking from powdered sugar coating. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months; thaw at room temp for 30 minutes before serving, re-rolling in sugar if needed. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make them overly firm from moisture. In humid climates, add silica packets to containers to prevent sogginess. Pro tip: If stacking for shipping, use wax paper dividers. Properly stored, they retain their signature melt-in-your-mouth feel without drying out or losing peppermint flavor, making them ideal for holiday prep ahead.

Can you freeze peppermint meltaways?

Yes, peppermint meltaways freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, preserving their soft texture and minty flavor. After cooling completely and coating in powdered sugar, freeze uncoated cookies on a tray for 1-2 hours to firm up, then bag in freezer-safe zip-tops with air squeezed out. Label with date. Thaw in the original bag at room temperature for 1 hour, then dust with fresh powdered sugar to refresh appearance. You can also freeze dough balls unbaked—thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed (add 1-2 extra minutes). Avoid refreezing thawed cookies. This method saves time for holiday baking marathons; one batch dough makes 36 cookies, perfect for stocking up. No flavor loss reported—test by baking a few first.

What variations can I try with peppermint meltaways?

Customize peppermint meltaways easily: Swap peppermint extract for almond or coconut for non-mint versions; add 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to dough for chocolate-peppermint bliss. For color, tint icing pink with gel food coloring or mix in green sprinkles. Make vegan by using plant-based butter and coconut milk in icing. Low-sugar option: Replace powdered sugar with erythritol (1:1 ratio) and Swerve for coating. Boost texture with 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or Andes mints. For larger cookies, use 1.5-inch balls and bake 12-14 minutes. Always chill dough 30+ minutes to prevent spreading. These tweaks keep the melt-away magic while suiting dietary needs—experiment in small batches. Pair with hot cocoa for the best enjoyment.

Peppermint Meltaways Easy Recipe for Melt in Mouth Cookies

Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup softened butter; – 1/2 cup powdered sugar; – 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; – 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; – 3/4 cup cornstarch; – 1 cup powdered sugar for coating; – 1 cup powdered sugar for icing; – 1-2 tablespoons milk; – 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for icing; – Crushed peppermint candies

Description

❄️ Delicate peppermint meltaways melt instantly in your mouth, delivering refreshing mint flavor with buttery tenderness.
🍪 Simple to bake and glaze, these holiday favorites bring joy and elegance to cookie exchanges effortlessly.

Ingredients

– 1 cup softened butter

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 3/4 cup cornstarch

– 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

– 1 cup powdered sugar for icing

– 1-2 tablespoons milk

– 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract for icing

– Crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

1-First Step: Cream the base Beat 1 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Scrape bowl for even mix. Use room-temperature butter; microwave briefly if stiff for smooth dough.

2-Second Step: Mix dry ingredients In separate bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups flour and 3/4 cup cornstarch. Gradually add to wet mix on low speed. Dough forms soft ball. Avoid overmixing to keep tenderness.

3-Third Step: Chill dough Wrap dough in plastic; chill 30 minutes. Firms up to prevent spreading. Prep while waiting: crush peppermint candies and line more sheets.

4-Fourth Step: Shape and bake Roll into 1-inch balls, place 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges barely brown. Centers stay pale for softness. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then wire rack fully.

5-Fifth Step: Coat cookies Roll cooled cookies in 1 cup powdered sugar. Shake off excess for even layer.

6-Sixth Step: Make icing Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle over cookies or dip half. Sprinkle crushed candies immediately.

7-Final Step: Set and serve Let icing harden 15 minutes. Store airtight. Pairs great with [mint chocolate cheesecake cake](https://recipesisabella.com/mint-chocolate-cheesecake-cake-2/). Total time: 45 minutes active plus chilling. See a [classic peppermint meltaways recipe](https://cookiesfordays.com/peppermint-meltaways/) for visual inspo.

Notes

💡 Use room temperature butter for the lightest, most tender crumb.
❄️ Chill dough 30 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
✨ Add red food coloring to frosting for festive holiday appeal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill (optional): 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 2mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: peppermint meltaways, melt in mouth cookies, easy peppermint cookies, holiday shortbread