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 preference); Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

There’s something magically simple about cookies that just melt in your mouth, and that’s exactly what you get with this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe. Light, buttery, and kissed with refreshing peppermint, these cookies are a cozy treat that you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for these cookies during the holidays (and honestly, year-round!). What makes this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe so special is how effortlessly they combine that cool peppermint flavor with a delicate, crumbly texture that just melts away on your tongue.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of them in your pantry, making this an easy-to-make treat whenever the craving hits.
Perfect Texture: These cookies are tender without being crumbly messes, staying just right even after frosting.
Customizable Peppermint Flavor: Adjust the mintiness to your exact liking with peppermint extract and crushed candies.
Festive and Fun: With a touch of crushed peppermint candy on top, these cookies bring instant holiday cheer to any occasion.

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

Each ingredient in this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth magic. I’ve found that sticking to the right balance, especially with cornstarch, is essential for getting just the right cookie texture.

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: Make sure it’s soft but not melted — this helps everything blend smoothly without making the dough too greasy.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds just the right amount of moisture and sweetness to keep the cookies tender.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor here! Start with less and tweak until you find your perfect peppermint punch.
Cornstarch: This is what gives the cookies their delicate meltaway texture, but be cautious about how much you add to avoid dryness or spreading.
Powdered Sugar: For smooth, creamy frosting that holds its shape on each cookie.
Heavy Cream: Helps to achieve the perfect frosting consistency—adjust to spreadability.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint goodness on top.

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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 this peppermint meltaway cookie recipe is that you can really play with the peppermint intensity and even the frosting. Personally, I like to keep the frosting peppermint mild but extravagant by adding a handful of crushed candies for texture and visual appeal.

Variation: For a twist, try replacing peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract for a different but equally delicious meltaway cookie experience. I once made a lemon version that was a hit with friends!
Dietary Modification: If you want to make dairy-free, try substituting butter with vegan butter and use a suitable non-dairy sweetened condensed milk—results can vary, so start small.
Difficulty Level: This recipe is beginner-friendly but watch your baking time carefully; these cookies bake quickly and can easily over-brown.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk Till Smooth

Start by softening your unsalted butter until it’s just soft enough to press your finger into easily but not melted. Then, in a medium bowl, combine it with the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed really helps here – beat until there are no butter lumps and the mixture is silky smooth. This step is key to that meltaway texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Cornstarch to Achieve a Thick, Soft Dough

Next, gradually mix in 1 cup of cornstarch on low speed until fully combined. You’re looking for dough that’s thick like peanut butter and just holds its shape. If it feels too sticky to scoop, add cornstarch one tablespoon at a time — but don’t go overboard, or your cookies might turn out dry.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and space them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes — watch carefully for just a hint of golden edges. The cookies will still look soft but should hold their shape.

Step 4: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled. While they’re cooling, whisk together your frosting ingredients — powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Adjust consistency with extra cream or powdered sugar to balance spreadability and shape retention. Once cool, spread about 2 teaspoons of frosting on each cookie and top with crushed peppermint candies.

Top Tip

Baking these cookies is super satisfying, but a few little tricks helped me perfect them over several batches, so I’m passing those along to you!

Butter Softness: Make sure your butter is room temperature but not melted; this helps it cream smoothly with condensed milk for a tender cookie.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can make your cookies flat or tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Adjust Cornstarch Wisely: Start with the base 1 cup and add extra in tiny increments only if necessary—you’ll taste the difference if you go overboard.
Frosting Flavor Balance: Add peppermint extract a little at a time and taste as you go. Sometimes less is more to avoid overpowering the cookie’s subtle buttery flavor.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

peppermint meltaway cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with crushed peppermint candies—they add a beautiful sparkle and wonderful texture that feels festive. Sometimes I use tiny mint leaves or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, perfect for holiday platters.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha for a real winter treat. I’ve also enjoyed them with a simple glass of milk or alongside a fresh fruit platter when serving at holiday parties.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these peppermint meltaways in a tiered cookie stand, sprinkled crushed candies around the edges, and even stacked them in pretty cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons to give as gifts. They always get rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in a single layer in an airtight container on the countertop. They stay fresh and tender for up to two days, which is usually enough time to enjoy them all!

Freezing

Because these cookies are so delicate and tender, I don’t recommend freezing them. I tried once, and the texture just didn’t hold up well. Definitely better to bake fresh when you’re ready for that meltaway goodness.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a few of these cookies (say, straight from the fridge with frosting on), a quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens them perfectly without melting the frosting away. Just keep an eye on them—they’re fragile!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe without sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is crucial for the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies, so it’s best not to skip it. If you need a substitute, you might try homemade condensed milk or a similar creamy sweetener, but note the texture and flavor may differ.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?

The key is to use the right amount of cornstarch and avoid overmixing the dough. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped but not stiff. Also, chilling the dough briefly can help, but it’s usually not necessary for this particular recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses cornstarch instead of flour. Just be sure your other ingredients, like your peppermint extract and crushed candies, are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

You can prepare the frosting up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before using, just bring it to room temperature and whisk lightly to restore its smooth, spreadable consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s as easy as it is enchanting. The way the buttery, minty cookies dissolve softly with every bite reminds me of simple moments with family and friends. I promise, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cozy treat — and you’ll be glad you have this recipe on hand for every festive season, or any time the mood for something meltaway arises.