Irresistible Peppermint Meltaways for Holiday Bliss
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Margarida
The first bite of a Peppermint Meltaway is nothing short of a holiday miracle. Each cookie crumbles beautifully, releasing a cool, invigorating burst of peppermint that dances on your taste buds, reminding you instantly of cozy winter nights by the fire. I remember the sheer delight of discovering this treat during a festive gathering, where laughter filled the air and a plate of these minty delights quickly disappeared.
In a world where fast food reigns, this recipe stands out as a delectable solution for those longing for homemade goodness. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 22 minutes from prep to plate, you ll create a delightful batch that s perfect for sharing or perhaps keeping all to yourself! The easy-to-follow steps make it a breeze, whether you re a seasoned chef or just beginning your kitchen journey. Let s embark on a sweet adventure and whip up these enchanting Peppermint Meltaways!
Why will you love Peppermint Meltaways?
Short prep time: With only 10 minutes of preparation, you can have these scrumptious cookies ready in just 22 minutes!
Irresistible flavor: The combination of rich butter, sweetened condensed milk, and invigorating peppermint extract creates a flavor that will enchant your taste buds.
Perfect for sharing: These meltaways make the ideal festive treat to share at holiday gatherings, bringing joy to friends and family alike.
Kid-friendly fun: Get the little ones involved in frosting and decorating these delightful cookies. It’s a great way to create lasting holiday memories!
Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply craving something sweet, these Peppermint Meltaways will surely be the star of the dessert table.
Peppermint Meltaways Ingredients
To create these delightful peppermint meltaways, gather the following simple ingredients.
For the Cookie Base
- Unsalted butter very soft to ensure a creamy texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and richness to the cookies.
- Peppermint extract provides that iconic minty flavor.
- Cornstarch gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For the Frosting
- Powdered sugar sifted for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Unsalted butter melted and cooled to make spreading easy.
- Heavy cream helps achieve the desired thickness of the frosting.
- Peppermint extract an extra splash for that irresistible peppermint flavor.
For Garnish
- Peppermint candies, crushed sprinkle on top for a festive touch and added crunch.
These ingredients come together to create the delightful Peppermint Meltaways that will surely brighten any gathering!
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 °F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don t stick!
Cream Together: In a medium bowl, add the very soft unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract. Beat with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Incorporate Cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the bowl and mix on low speed until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and ready for scooping.
Scoop the Batter: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, place a level scoop of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Remember to leave about 2 inches between each cookie for room to spread!
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transfering to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whip Up the Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Beat until the mixture is thick and smooth; adjust the consistency with more heavy cream or powdered sugar as necessary.
Frost and Finish: Frost each cooled cookie with approximately 2 teaspoons of frosting and generously sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for that festive flair!
Optional: Add a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Peppermint Meltaways?
Imagine a cozy gathering where the scents of peppermint fill the air, and your Peppermint Meltaways steal the show let s build the perfect feast around them!
Rich Hot Chocolate: A steaming cup of rich hot chocolate enhances the minty flavors and provides a comforting contrast to the cookies sweetness.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the meltaway s texture and adds a delicious chill to each bite.
Fresh Mint Tea: A calming cup of fresh mint tea complements the cookies perfectly, highlighting their peppermint essence in a warm, soothing way.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling some melted chocolate over your meltaways brings a decadent richness that pairs beautifully with the light peppermint flavor.
Holiday Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of citrus and berries adds a vibrant, fruity contrast, cleansing the palate after those sweet bites.
Crushed Gingerbread Cookies: Sprinkling some crushed gingerbread cookies adds unexpected spice and crunch, creating an exciting flavor combination with the meltaways.
Festive Red Wine: A lovely glass of medium-bodied red wine adds complexity and pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of peppermint, elevating the overall experience.
With these enticing suggestions, your Peppermint Meltaways will shine even brighter as the star of the dessert table!
Peppermint Meltaways Customizations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with delightful twists and substitutes!
Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond milk in place of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Gluten-Free: Swap cornstarch with a gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Minty Variation: Add a hint of green food coloring to your frosting for a fun, festive twist that brightens up your cookies.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the frosted cookies for an extra layer of richness and a touch of elegance.
Citrus Burst: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the cookie batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with mint.
Nutty Delight: Fold in finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie batter for added texture and delightful crunch.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the frosting it pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies and the peppermint.
Cookie Sandwich: Create sandwich cookies by placing a layer of frosting between two cookies. This makes for an indulgent treat perfect for sharing!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Meltaways
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful softness.
Fridge: If you prefer longer freshness, store your Peppermint Meltaways in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they re well wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating: To refresh their texture, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the magic of minty goodness once again!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Peppermint Meltaways in advance can save you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can make the cookie batter up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness. When you’re ready to bake, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking as directed. Additionally, you can frost the cookies and store them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. This way, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of your meltaways just as fresh and vibrant as when they were first made perfect for your upcoming gatherings or cozy nights in!
Tips for the Best Peppermint Meltaways
Use Soft Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is very soft to achieve a creamy, lump-free batter. Cold butter can result in dense cookies.
Measure Carefully: When adding cornstarch, avoid packing it. Use a spoon to scoop and level off for the right texture in your Peppermint Meltaways.
Don t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden around the edges. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie.
Adjust Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, gradually add more heavy cream until you reach the desired spreadable texture.
Decorate with Care: When sprinkling crushed peppermint candies, do it immediately after frosting the cookies to ensure they stick well.
These tips will help you create the most delightful Peppermint Meltaways that everyone will love!
Peppermint Meltaways Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways?
When selecting ingredients for your Peppermint Meltaways, ensure the unsalted butter is very soft, almost at room temperature, which will help create a smooth batter. Additionally, check that the sweetened condensed milk is fresh and not past its expiration date for the best flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover Peppermint Meltaways?
Store your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their freshness, move them to the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. Just remember to wrap them well to maintain their soft texture!
Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaways?
Absolutely! To freeze your Peppermint Meltaways, first ensure they are completely cooled. Place the cookies in a single layer in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
If your frosting turns out too thick to spread easily, don’t worry! Gradually add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly until you achieve the desired smooth and spreadable consistency. This way, you can ensure your cookies are beautifully frosted!
Are Peppermint Meltaways safe for pets?
While Peppermint Meltaways are a delicious treat for humans, they contain ingredients like butter and sugar that aren’t suitable for pets. Always keep your cookies away from your furry friends, as certain ingredients can be harmful to animals.
What are some common issues when making Peppermint Meltaways?
If you find your cookies are spreading too much while baking, check to see if your butter was too warm or if the cornstarch was measured inaccurately. For a fail-safe batch, be sure to use very soft butter, and always level off your measuring cups carefully to get the perfect texture in your meltaways!