There’s something so magical about the holiday season—twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and sweet treats that feel like hugs in cookie form. These Peppermint Meltaways are exactly that: buttery, delicate little cookies that practically dissolve in your mouth. Topped with a creamy peppermint glaze and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, they’re festive, fun, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. The best part? They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and are beginner-friendly, so anyone can bake up a batch of holiday cheer.
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert / Holiday Cookies |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Servings | 24 cookies |
| Calories | ~120 kcal per cookie |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
For the Glaze & Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough. In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in peppermint extract.
- Combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Shape cookies. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches apart.
- Bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just set. Cookies should stay pale in color. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust consistency with a few drops more milk if needed.
- Glaze & garnish. Spoon glaze over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies before the glaze sets.
Baking Tip: Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay soft and tender for that perfect “meltaway” texture.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies and glaze after thawing.
- Make-ahead: Dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours before baking—just let it soften slightly before rolling.
- Glaze setting: Allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes after glazing so the topping firms up.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Vanilla Meltaways: Swap peppermint extract for vanilla extract and top with festive sprinkles instead of crushed candy canes.
- Almond Peppermint: Use almond extract in the glaze for a nutty note that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside hot cocoa or peppermint mochas for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Arrange on a holiday cookie platter with sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and fudge.
- Wrap in festive tins or bags for homemade holiday gifts that everyone will love.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Meltaways are more than just cookies—they’re little bites of holiday joy. With their buttery texture, festive glaze, and peppermint crunch, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, gift giving, or simply enjoying by the tree with a mug of something warm. Bake up a batch, share them with loved ones, and let these melt-in-your-mouth cookies become part of your holiday traditions.