Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

I have always loved the magic that comes with the holiday season, and for me, nothing says festive quite like the aroma of freshly baked peppermint treats. This year, I decided to create something truly special: Peppermint Meltaways. These delicate, buttery cookies practically melt in your mouth, leaving behind a gentle hint of mint that instantly transports you to cozy winter evenings. From the first time I baked them, I knew they would become a staple in my holiday baking routine.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity combined with an elegant, festive flair. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, yet the results look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery. The soft, crumbly texture paired with the refreshing peppermint flavor makes these cookies irresistible. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, gifting in pretty tins, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can shape the cookies into traditional rounds, festive stars, or even mini wreaths. Adding crushed peppermint candies on top adds a beautiful decorative touch, but you can also experiment with different toppings, like white chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of colored sugar. Each batch can be customized to match your holiday style, making them perfect for any festive occasion.

Another reason you’ll love these meltaways is that they are affordable. With basic pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, and peppermint extract, you can create a batch large enough to serve a crowd without breaking the bank. It’s a recipe that brings joy without the stress or high cost.

Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for topping)

These meltaways are a simple yet elegant way to bring festive cheer into your home. Each bite is a little reminder that holiday baking is about joy, creativity, and sharing moments with the people you love.

How to Prepare Peppermint Meltaways

Preparing Peppermint Meltaways is simple, even if you’re new to holiday baking. The key is to follow each step carefully, ensuring the dough remains soft and the cookies maintain their delicate texture. With just a few basic ingredients and some attention to detail, you can create cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Using parchment ensures the cookies maintain their shape and don’t brown too quickly on the bottom.

2. Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2–3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Add the extracts. Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The peppermint extract gives the cookies their signature flavor, while the vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of taste.

4. Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the cookies from becoming dense.

5. Form the cookies. Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. For a festive touch, lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the back of a spoon.

6. Add toppings (optional). Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie for a beautiful and flavorful finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for presentation and added texture.

7. Bake the cookies. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they should appear just set and lightly golden at the edges. The centers will remain soft, which is perfect for the meltaway texture.

8. Cool and serve. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up slightly while remaining tender. Once fully cooled, they are ready to enjoy or store in an airtight container.

Quick and Easy Tips:

• Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes if it becomes too soft.

• Crushing peppermint candies in a plastic bag with a rolling pin makes topping faster and cleaner.

• These cookies are highly customizable; try adding mini chocolate chips, drizzling white chocolate, or using colored sugar for a festive look.

These peppermint meltaways are popular with many people because they combine a classic buttery cookie base with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Their delicate texture, simplicity, and festive presentation make them a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and family celebrations. Even novice bakers will find them easy to master while still impressing everyone with professional-looking results.

Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Peppermint Meltaways are delicate, buttery cookies infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm drink, these cookies are easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to impress.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 12
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (optional, for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Stir in the peppermint extract and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined.
5. Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced. Lightly flatten each ball if desired.
6. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie for a festive touch (optional).
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Dough can be refrigerated for 15–20 minutes if it becomes too soft before shaping.

Customize by adding mini chocolate chips, white chocolate drizzle, or colored sugar.

Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make Peppermint Meltaways ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Once baked, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.

2. Can I use a different type of peppermint?
Absolutely. You can substitute crushed peppermint candies with peppermint chips or finely chopped peppermint bark. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures 1:1 for regular flour. The texture may be slightly different but will still be delicious.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking can also help maintain the cookie shape.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. If doubling, make sure to mix the dough in batches if needed, and adjust baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.

6. What can I serve with Peppermint Meltaways?
These cookies pair wonderfully with hot chocolate, coffee, or milk. They also work beautifully as part of a holiday cookie platter or gift tin.