Delicate, buttery, and bursting with refreshing peppermint flavor, Peppermint Meltaways are the ultimate holiday cookie. These cookies live up to their name, melting in your mouth with every bite. Topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, they’re as festive as they are delicious. Perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just a cozy evening at home.
Why You Will Love Peppermint Meltaways
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The cornstarch creates a tender, delicate cookie that literally melts away.
- Festive Flavor: A perfect balance of buttery sweetness and cool peppermint.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples to make these cookies shine.
- Customizable: Adjust the peppermint intensity or use different garnishes to suit your taste.
- Holiday Perfection: These cookies are a gorgeous addition to any dessert tray.
Ingredients Notes for Peppermint Meltaways
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup): Ensure it’s very soft at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness and contributes to the soft, meltaway texture.
- Peppermint Extract (½ teaspoon): Use pure peppermint extract for a clean, refreshing flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 cup + 1-2 tablespoons): The star ingredient that makes these cookies ultra-tender.
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sift before using for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Unsalted Butter (1 ½ tablespoons): Melted and cooled for a creamy frosting base.
- Heavy Cream (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds richness and ensures a spreadable consistency.
- Peppermint Extract (⅛–¼ teaspoon): Adjust to your preferred level of peppermint flavor.
For the Garnish
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds a festive crunch and a burst of flavor.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Handheld mixer
- Cookie scoop (1 tablespoon)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine the unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract.
- Use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat until smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the cornstarch and mix on low speed until fully incorporated, creating a smooth dough.
- Portion the Dough: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop level portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract.
- Beat until thick and smooth. Adjust the consistency with small amounts of heavy cream (if too thick) or powdered sugar (if too thin).
- Frost and Garnish:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread approximately 2 teaspoons of frosting on each cookie.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the frosting for a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter or package them in gift boxes for friends and family.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep in a single layer or use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and garnishing.
Variations
- Vanilla Meltaways: Replace the peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a classic twist.
- Colorful Touch: Add a drop of food coloring to the frosting for a festive red or green hue.
- Chocolate Peppermint: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for extra indulgence.
Helpful Notes
- Make sure the butter is very soft for smooth mixing—this helps create the delicate texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step before frosting; warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt.
- Use a light hand when sprinkling crushed candies to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavor of the cookies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Always sift powdered sugar for frosting—it ensures a smooth, professional-looking finish.”
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Chill the dough slightly if it feels too sticky to handle, especially in warm kitchens.”
- Martha Stewart: “Crush peppermint candies in a sealed ziplock bag with a rolling pin for easy, mess-free preparation.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk with something else?
No, sweetened condensed milk is key to achieving the right texture for these cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is necessary; the dough is ready to bake immediately.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
While homemade frosting is best for flavor and consistency, store-bought can be a quick substitute. Add peppermint extract for a homemade touch.
What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
Use a tablespoon measure and your hands to roll the dough into balls.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too sweet?
Adjust the peppermint extract and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Peppermint Meltaways are a delightful holiday treat that will impress your family and friends with their unique texture and festive flavor. Enjoy making and sharing these cookies this holiday season!