Easy Peppermint Meltaways Cookies Recipe

Oh, the holidays! The smell of pine needles, the twinkling lights, and the promise of delicious treats. There’s something so magical about this time of year, isn’t there? It always brings me back to my grandma’s kitchen, a place filled with warmth, laughter, and the most amazing aromas. Today, I want to share a cookie recipe that will instantly transport you there, a recipe for Peppermint Meltaways that are so simple, so delightful, and so utterly melt-in-your-mouth perfect, you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life!

These little wonders are a breeze to whip up, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking marathon, a sweet surprise for a cookie exchange, or even just a little pick-me-up on a cozy afternoon. Seriously, they are so easy, you can get the kids involved and make some wonderful memories together. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – a blank canvas for your creativity!

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Meltaways Cookies

• Fast: Ready in under an hour, from mixing bowl to cooling rack!
• Easy: Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Giftable: Package them up in a pretty tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Crowd-pleasing: That classic peppermint flavor is a guaranteed hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and thankfully, this recipe keeps it simple!

• For the Cookies:
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, very soft at room temperature – Make sure it’s really soft, almost like softened butter for frosting, for the best texture.
  • ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk – This is what gives them that wonderful tender crumb.
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract – For that classic, refreshing minty kick.
  • 1 cup cornstarch (plus 1-2 tablespoons, if needed) – Don’t be shy with the cornstarch, it’s the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth quality!
• For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted – Sifting is key to a smooth, lump-free frosting.
  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled – Letting it cool prevents it from melting the sugar too quickly.
  • 1½ tablespoons heavy cream – For that lovely creamy consistency.
  • ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (to taste) – You can adjust this depending on how strong you like your peppermint flavor.
  • Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish – The perfect festive finishing touch!

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways Cookies

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s as simple as mixing, scooping, and baking.

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a dream, and your cookies won’t stick!
2. In a medium bowl, combine your very soft unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and that ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Grab your handheld mixer and beat it all together on medium-high speed until it’s perfectly smooth and beautifully combined.
3. Now, it’s time for the magic ingredient: the cornstarch! Add the 1 cup of cornstarch to the bowl. Mix it on low speed until it’s fully incorporated and you have a smooth, workable dough. If your dough feels a little too soft or sticky – and this can happen depending on humidity and your butter – just add another tablespoon or two of cornstarch, one at a time, until it’s just right.
4. Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop is my favorite way to get uniform cookies. Portion your dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. Remember to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they’ll spread just a little.
5. Pop them into the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for those edges to be just lightly golden. They won’t spread a lot, but the edges will signal they’re ready.
6. Once they’re out of the oven, let these little beauties cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set up a bit before you carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Trying to frost warm cookies is a recipe for disaster, trust me!
7. While your cookies are cooling down, let’s whip up that delightful frosting. In a clean medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, the melted and cooled butter, the heavy cream, and your peppermint extract.
8. Beat this frosting mixture until it’s wonderfully thick and smooth. If it seems a bit too thick for your liking, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, just add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar. Aim for a spreadable, not runny, consistency!
9. Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Use about 2 teaspoons of frosting for each cookie. You can spread it on with a knife or use a small offset spatula for an extra-smooth finish.
10. Finally, the crowning glory! Sprinkle those crushed peppermint candies over the frosting before it sets. They add a lovely crunch and a festive pop of color. And there you have it – your gorgeous Peppermint Meltaways are ready to be enjoyed! If you’re looking for other festive cookie ideas, these strawberry banana pudding cookies are always a hit!

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling inspired to get a little creative? I love how adaptable this recipe is!

• Extract Swap: Not a fan of peppermint? Try almond extract for a different classic flavor, or a touch of vanilla extract for a more subtle sweetness.
• Citrus Zest: For a bright twist, add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough. It’s a subtle addition that really makes the flavors sing, much like the zest in these blueberry lemon ricotta pancakes.
• Frosting Fun: Instead of peppermint extract in the frosting, try a little almond extract or even a splash of coffee liqueur for a mocha twist. You could also tint the frosting with a drop of food coloring for extra festivity.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond crushed peppermint, try sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your Peppermint Meltaways even more perfect!

• Butter Softness is Key: I can’t stress this enough – make sure your butter is truly soft and creamy. This helps the dough come together smoothly and prevents a crumbly cookie.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the cornstarch, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Chilling Option: If your dough feels a bit too soft to scoop, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
• Prep Ahead: You can make the cookie dough a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly before scooping. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge; you may need to add a tiny splash of cream to loosen it before frosting.

How to Store Peppermint Meltaways Cookies

Keeping these delicious cookies fresh is easy peasy!

Once completely cooled and frosted, store your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay wonderfully soft and delicious for about 3-4 days. If you stack them, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar for the frosting? No, powdered sugar is essential for a smooth, creamy frosting. Regular sugar won’t dissolve properly and will result in a grainy texture.
• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Ensuring your butter is very soft but not melted, and adding enough cornstarch to create a firm dough, will help prevent spreading. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate.
• Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract? Absolutely! You can omit the peppermint extract entirely for a plain, buttery cookie, or substitute it with another extract like vanilla or almond.

These Peppermint Meltaways are such a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. They’re a little bit of holiday magic in every bite! If you’re always on the hunt for delightful recipes, be sure to check out more of our sweet creations. For instance, if you enjoyed these cookies, you might also love our easy cake mix toffee bars – they’re another simple treat that’s always a winner.

We’d love to see your creations! Make sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more delicious inspiration!