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 as needed); 1 cup powdered sugar sifted; 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1½ tablespoons heavy cream; ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to preferred peppermint flavor); Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

There’s something irresistibly delicate about these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that just screams cozy holiday vibes. The soft, buttery texture with a refreshing hint of mint makes this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe a standout treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

A group of round cookies with a soft, light beige base layer topped with a thick, swirled layer of white frosting. On top of the frosting are small, rough pieces of red and white striped peppermint candy sprinkled evenly. The cookies are arranged close together on a white marbled surface, creating a cozy, festive look. Several round peppermint candies with red and white swirls are placed around the cookies. 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

Let me tell you, these peppermint meltaway cookies hold a special place on my baking list. Once I got the balance of buttery softness and peppermint flavor just right, they quickly became a holiday staple in my kitchen — and I bet they will in yours too.

Delicate Texture: Unlike your standard cookie, these cookies practically dissolve when you bite into them, thanks to the cornstarch-rich dough.
Refreshing Peppermint Flavor: The subtle yet unmistakable minty touch makes these perfect for winter celebrations or anytime you want a cool twist.
Simple, Few Ingredients: This recipe doesn’t overwhelm you with endless pantry items — just a handful of straightforward ingredients.
Customizable Frosting: You control the peppermint kick and look with the frosting and crushed candy garnish, making it uniquely yours.

The image shows soft, round white cookies with a smooth layer of white frosting on top. Each cookie has crushed pieces of red and white peppermint candy sprinkled over the frosting. One cookie is stacked partly on another, with a bite taken out, showing a light, fluffy inside. The cookies rest on crinkled brown paper, with some candy pieces scattered around them. Nearby, a white bowl filled with more crushed peppermint candies is partly visible. The overall look is cozy and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a beautiful example of how just a few carefully chosen ingredients can combine to create an unforgettable cookie. Each element plays its part in texture and flavor, from the richness of butter to the delicate sweetness of condensed milk.

Flat lay of a small stack of very soft unsalted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth sweetened condensed milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear peppermint extract liquid, a neat mound of fine white cornstarch powder on a white ceramic plate, a few whole clean uncracked eggs with pale brown shells, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with sifted powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of melted and cooled unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy heavy cream, and a small white ceramic bowl containing crushed bright red and white peppermint candies, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Using very soft (but not melted) butter helps create that tender, meltaway texture while keeping flavor clean and rich.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds sweetness and moisture without making the dough sticky, plus it enhances the cookie’s velvety softness.
Peppermint Extract: Just the right amount for that classic cool peppermint note; start small and adjust to taste in both dough and frosting.
Cornstarch: The secret behind the meltaway quality — it softens the cookie and helps it crumble delightfully with each bite.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth, easily spreadable frosting that clings perfectly to each cookie.
Heavy Cream: Adds just enough richness and fluidity to the frosting for a creamy, luscious finish.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: For garnish, these give a pretty, festive crunch and amplify the minty anticipation.

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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

One of my favorite things about the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the frosting flavor or try a sprinkle of different toppings to keep things fun and suited to whoever I’m baking for.

Variation: When I want a twist, I swap peppermint extract for a touch of almond or vanilla extract, and it transforms the whole vibe of these meltaways remarkably.
Dietary Modification: You could try a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream in the frosting to make these vegan, just keep an eye on consistency.
Seasonal Change: Skip the peppermint in summer and add lemon extract with a light dusting of zest for a fresh meltaway that’s perfect for warmer days.

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

Step 1: Cream Together Butter, Condensed Milk & Peppermint

Start by making sure your butter is very soft but not melted—a fingertip should easily press through with no resistance. In a medium bowl, beat the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract together until smooth, no stubborn lumps of butter should remain. This creates the silky base of your cookie dough.

Step 2: Fold in Cornstarch Slowly

Add the cornstarch to the wet mixture on low speed bit by bit. The dough should come together smoothly, not sticky and not dry. If needed, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two more cornstarch at this point—but just enough for a thick, scoopable dough like peanut butter.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop (or just a spoon), form neat rounds and place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet with at least 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes or until you see a light golden tint around the cookie edges.

Step 4: Cool Before You Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This stops them from softening too much under the frosting.

Step 5: Whip Up the Peppermint Frosting

While the cookies cool, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Beat until the frosting is creamy but thick enough to hold its shape when spread. Adjust with extra cream or sugar as needed to reach the perfect consistency for spreading.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spoon about 2 teaspoons of frosting onto each cookie, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that festive pop and a little crunch. I love how this simple garnish makes the presentation feel special and inviting.

Top Tip

I’ve learned some little tricks that make all the difference with this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe. These tips really helped me nail the texture and flavor every single time, so I’m happy to share them with you.

Butter Softness Matters: Don’t let your butter get too warm or melted, or your dough will lose that tender crumbly texture. Just soft enough to press your finger through smoothly is perfect.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined—overdoing it creates too much air and makes your cookies tough, which defeats the meltaway purpose.
Adjust Frosting Slowly: Add the peppermint extract in small increments and taste as you go—getting peppermint just right is personal, and I like starting subtle.
Watch Your Dough Consistency: The dough should resemble thick peanut butter — soft enough to scoop but firm enough to hold its shape. Adding too much cornstarch will dry it out; too little and your cookies won’t keep their shape.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

Peppermint Meltaway Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with crushed peppermint candies — the little crunch and color contrast feels festive and bright. Sometimes I add a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or finely chopped dark chocolate for a more decadent look.

Side Dishes

These meltaway cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of cocoa or peppermint tea. For holiday gatherings, I like serving them alongside a cheese plate with some mild, creamy cheeses and fresh fruit to balance the mint sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I lay the cookies out on a pretty platter dusted with powdered sugar "snow," adding fresh pine sprigs or holly leaves around them. I've also gifted them in clear boxes tied with red ribbon — such a simple but beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover peppermint meltaway cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate shape. They stay fresh and tender on the counter for up to 2 days — definitely best enjoyed quickly!

Freezing

Since these cookies are so delicate, I usually avoid freezing them because the texture can get compromised. Instead, I make just enough for the occasion. However, the frosting can be made ahead and frozen if needed.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy slightly warmed meltaway cookies, I gently warm them in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes — but only before frosting. After frosting, it's best to serve them at room temperature for that perfect meltaway texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these peppermint meltaway cookies without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is key to achieving the tender, meltaway texture in this recipe. Substituting it may affect the softness and texture significantly. If you can’t use cornstarch, try experimenting with tapioca starch, but results will vary.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for a very light golden tint around the edges of the cookies — they shouldn’t brown fully. The center might still look soft, but the cookies will firm up while cooling, giving them that tender texture.

Can I prepare the frosting in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the peppermint frosting up to 3 days ahead and keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature and whisk it to restore its spreadable texture before frosting the cookies.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store the peppermint meltaway cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment between layers if stacking. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days, but they’re best enjoyed as fresh as possible due to their delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe hold a special spot every winter for me. They’re great for holiday gifting, a cozy afternoon treat, or even just to brighten a cold day with something sweet and subtle. Trust me, once you try these meltaways, you’ll be hooked on the texture and peppermint freshness just like I am—give them a go and watch them disappear fast!