Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting); 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for frosting); 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

These cookies are beloved for their airy, delicate crumb that literally “melts away” as you bite into them. The combination of cool peppermint and sweet frosting makes them a holiday favorite, but they’re simple enough to enjoy anytime you want a mint‑flavored sweet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookies
unsalted butter, very soft at room temperature
sweetened condensed milk
peppermint extract
cornstarch (plus extra if needed)

Frosting
powdered sugar, sifted
unsalted butter, melted and cooled
heavy cream
peppermint extract (amount varies with taste)
crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, beat together the very soft unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and free of lumps.
Add the cornstarch to the mixture and mix on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting.
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until thick and smooth. Adjust consistency with extra cream or powdered sugar as needed.
Spread a small amount of frosting on each cooled cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

Servings and timing

Serves 12 cookies.
Prep time: about 10 minutes.
Cook time: about 10 minutes.
Total time: about 20 minutes.

Variations

Replace peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for a different twist.
Add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the frosting for a more festive look.
Use sprinkles or white chocolate shavings instead of crushed peppermint candies for topping.
Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-mint version.
Drizzle cookies with melted chocolate instead of frosting for a lighter topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature in a single layer for up to 2 days. Due to their delicate texture, freezing is not recommended.
You can prepare the frosting up to 3 days in advance; refrigerate it in an airtight container and bring it to room temperature before using. Whisk to restore smoothness before spreading.

FAQs

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough has a soft but firm consistency before scooping. If it’s too sticky, add a small amount of extra cornstarch until it holds its shape better in the scoop.

Can I adjust the mint flavor?

Yes. Start with the recommended amount of peppermint extract and taste the frosting before adding more to suit your preference.

Can I use vanilla instead of peppermint?

Absolutely. You can replace peppermint extract with vanilla or another flavor extract for a different twist.

What can I use instead of crushed peppermint candies?

Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or finely chopped chocolate can be fun alternatives for garnish.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. This recipe yields about one dozen cookies; simply double all ingredients to make more.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration isn’t necessary for short‑term storage.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it briefly, but because of the cornstarch, it’s best to bake soon after mixing to maintain the ideal texture.

Why are cornstarch cookies so tender?

Cornstarch inhibits gluten formation, resulting in a very soft, delicate crumb that gives these cookies their melt‑away quality.

What other flavor variations work well?

Lemon, almond, or vanilla extract in both the cookie and frosting offer fun variations.

Can store‑bought frosting be used?

Yes. You can use store‑bought vanilla frosting mixed with peppermint extract and crushed candies to simplify the process.

Conclusion

Peppermint Meltaways offer a delightful combination of soft, tender texture and refreshing mint flavor, making them a perfect choice for holiday baking or anytime you want a festive cookie. With a simple method and sweet, creamy frosting, these melt‑in‑your‑mouth treats are sure to become a favorite.