Name: Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup unsalted butter very soft room temperature; ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup cornstarch (plus 1-2 tablespoons – see tips); 1 cup powdered sugar sifted; 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1½ tablespoons heavy cream; ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (amount depends on preferred peppermint flavor); crushed peppermint candies for garnish

There’s something utterly magical about the way these cookies just melt in your mouth, leaving behind a bright, cool peppermint finish. The Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe I’m sharing today is my go-to treat when I want something soft, lightly sweet, and with a perfect peppermint punch that feels like a cozy holiday hug.

The image shows many round cookies with a light beige base layer that looks soft and thick. On top of each cookie is a swirl of white cream, smooth and slightly shiny. Scattered over the cream are small, uneven pieces of red and white peppermint candy, adding a crunchy texture and bright color. The cookies are close together, filling the frame and resting on a white marbled surface. Two whole red and white peppermint candies are visible at the bottom right corner. The scene gives a fresh and festive feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can't get enough of this recipe. It’s simple, quick, and the results always wow guests (and me!). There's something so satisfying about baking a cookie that's delicate yet full on peppermint flavor, perfect for sharing or just sneaking a few yourself.

Soft, tender texture: The cookies literally melt in your mouth, unlike your typical crunchy peppermint cookie.
Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a no-fuss recipe you'll want to keep coming back to.
Customizable peppermint flavor: You control how strong or subtle the minty notes are – perfect for all mint lovers.
Festive and fun: The crushed peppermint candies add a perfect touch of color and crunch for any holiday or winter gathering.

The image shows several soft, white cookies with a smooth layer of thick, creamy white frosting on top. Each cookie is decorated with small, rough pieces of red and white peppermint candy sprinkled evenly over the frosting. One cookie is placed on top of another, with the top cookie having a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, pale inside. The cookies are arranged on a brown crinkled paper background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is how each ingredient plays a subtle but important role to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right peppermint kick. I always recommend fresh ingredients and having good-quality peppermint extract on hand for best results.

Flat lay of very soft unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl containing fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl with heavy cream, a small white bowl holding clear peppermint extract, a neat mound of fine white cornstarch on a white ceramic plate, whole uncracked brown eggs, and a scattering of crushed bright red and white peppermint candies on a white ceramic dish placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: You want it soft but not melted, which blends smoothly with the sweetened condensed milk for a tender cookie base.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds moisture and sweetness, helping to create that meltaway texture.
Peppermint extract: Choose a good-quality pure extract for authentic flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Cornstarch: The superstar here – it keeps the cookies tender and gives them that delicate, crumbly texture without toughness.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting, it’s key to a smooth, light consistency that sets beautifully on the cookie.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps the frosting spread just right.
Crushed peppermint candies: Not just for garnish – they add texture and a festive, crunchy burst of peppermint.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I go heavier on the peppermint for a cool blast of flavor, other times I switch it up with a little almond or vanilla extract in the frosting for a twist. Don’t be afraid to make these cookies your own!

Variation: I once added finely chopped dark chocolate chips into the dough for an extra decadent touch – it created a fantastic chocolate-peppermint combo that disappeared fast at my holiday party.
Dietary Modifications: You can try a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream to keep the same rich feel but accommodate dietary needs.
Seasonal Changes: Swap peppermint extract for orange or lemon extract to transform these into bright citrus meltaways any time of year.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mixing the soft buttery base

Start by making sure your butter is very soft but not melted – it should feel almost silky when you press your finger in. Blend the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract using a handheld mixer on medium-high until completely smooth with no lumps. This takes just a couple of minutes, and it’s key for that silky base of your cookie dough.

Step 2: Adding cornstarch to build texture

Next, pour in the cornstarch and mix on low speed until everything comes together. Your dough should be soft but thick enough to scoop — kind of like thick peanut butter. If it’s still too soft, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons more cornstarch, but be careful; too much will dry out the dough and affect the flavor.

Step 3: Scooping and baking to golden perfection

Using a tablespoon scoop, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space the cookies at least 2 inches apart because they’ll spread just a little. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, until the edges show a hint of golden color but the centers still look soft to the touch. That’s when you know they’ll be perfectly meltaway.

Step 4: Cooling and prepping the peppermint frosting

While the cookies cool on the rack, whip up the frosting. Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract, and beat until thick and smooth. The perfect frosting spreads easily but holds its shape. Thin it out with a teaspoon of cream if needed, or add a bit more powdered sugar if too runny.

Step 5: Finishing touches and garnish

Once cooled, spread about 2 teaspoons of frosting on each cookie and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. The crunch and color contrast against the creamy frosting is just as delightful as the cookie itself — trust me, it’s a game changer.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help make this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe a standout — these tips will save you from any baking heartbreak and ensure each batch is delicious every time you bake.

Soft Butter is Key: Don’t rush the butter softening step – too cold and it won’t blend well, too warm and your dough can become greasy.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid dense, tough cookies. The dough should be soft with a slightly crumbly texture.
Adjust Cornstarch Gradually: Add extra cornstarch a tablespoon at a time if needed to get the right dough consistency – this prevents dry or overly dense cookies.
Frosting Texture Matters: If your frosting is too thick, add cream slowly to achieve the perfect spreadable yet stable texture.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with crushed peppermint candies—they add just the right amount of crunch and festive flair. Sometimes I toss on a few chocolate shavings for an extra layer of indulgence. A tiny dusting of edible glitter can also make them pop for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa, peppermint tea, or even coffee for a refreshing twist. For holiday parties, serve alongside a cheese platter with mint-infused dips or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun holiday party, I like arranging these meltaways on a tiered dessert stand, interspersed with fresh pine sprigs and twinkle lights. They also make charming gifts – just stack a dozen in a clear box tied with a red ribbon and a sprig of fresh mint or holly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two days, which I find perfect because they rarely last longer than that in my house!

Freezing

Due to their delicate texture, I don’t recommend freezing these cookies—they tend to lose their meltaway quality and can become crumbly once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to freshen them up a bit after storing, gently warm the cookies for 5-7 seconds in the microwave before frosting. This makes them even softer and helps the frosting spread better, though usually they’re perfect as is.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, mix vanilla store-bought frosting with a bit of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a quick and tasty alternative to the homemade frosting.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, add cornstarch gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a thick peanut butter-like consistency. If it becomes too dry, you may have added a bit too much cornstarch – next time, try less and be cautious with additions.

How can I make the peppermint flavor stronger or milder?

Start with ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract in the frosting and taste as you go before adding up to ¼ teaspoon. For the dough, ½ teaspoon is enough for a noticeable flavor, but you can adjust slightly based on your preference.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just double the cookie and frosting ingredients—and make sure not to overcrowd your baking sheet when baking larger batches. You may need to adjust baking time by a minute or two.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe countless times, and the joy it brings me (and everyone I share it with!) never fades. It’s a simple recipe that feels special and festive without any fuss. Next time you want a treat that’s soft, minty, and just a little bit fancy, give this one a whirl—you won’t regret it.