Peppermint Meltaways Recipe That Truly Melts in Your Mouth

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cookie recipe that feels like a warm holiday hug yet tastes refreshing enough to enjoy year-round, Peppermint Meltaways are it. These petite, buttery cookies live up to their name—melting instantly on your tongue with a burst of cool peppermint. Whether you’re prepping for a Christmas cookie exchange or just craving something light and festive, this easy meltaway cookie recipe is a winner.

Don’t miss our Peppermint-Flavored Marshmallow Fudge if you’re in the mood for more minty magic.

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The Magic Behind Peppermint Meltaways

What Makes Meltaway Cookies Unique?

Meltaway cookies are unlike your usual crunchy or chewy bakes. These treats are ultra-soft and almost powdery in texture, thanks to a special combination of cake flour and powdered sugar. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar doesn’t caramelize or add crispness—it dissolves, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.

This structure also gives meltaways a delicate, shortbread-like crumble without the graininess. It’s a texture few cookies achieve, making peppermint meltaways a standout.

Why Peppermint Works So Well

Peppermint brings a clean, cool flavor that pairs beautifully with rich, buttery bases. In these cookies, the peppermint isn’t overpowering—it complements the sweetness and fat from the butter, creating balance in every bite.

You can use peppermint extract or bakery emulsion. The latter tends to have a more intense, candy-like profile and holds its flavor better during baking.

Peppermint also brings a seasonal flair. But don’t box these cookies into just December—paired with crushed peppermint candies or even just the glaze, they’re a refreshing twist for any occasion.

When to Serve Peppermint Meltaways

Yes, they make adorable additions to Christmas cookie boxes and holiday parties. But these cookies aren’t just for December. Here’s when to serve them:

• At winter gatherings with hot cocoa or mulled cider
• For movie nights—think Elf or The Grinch marathons
• As part of a pastel cookie spread for spring events
• For summer—yes, peppermint can cool things down!

Looking for inspiration? Try our The Ultimate Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies to build a full cookie platter.

And remember—since they freeze well, you can always make a batch ahead and surprise guests with freshly defrosted magic.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways at Home

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies are surprisingly simple and don’t require specialty tools or ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the dough and glaze:

Cookie Dough	Peppermint Glaze
Salted butter (softened)	Salted butter
Powdered sugar	Vegetable shortening (optional)
Egg	Powdered sugar
Peppermint bakery emulsion	Milk
Cake flour	Clear vanilla extract
Baking powder	Red food coloring (tiny amount)
Salt	Crushed soft peppermints for garnish

Note: If you don’t have cake flour, make a substitute with all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Don’t skip the powdered sugar—it’s essential to the texture.

Discover great ideas like our Chewy Maple Brown Sugar Cookies for more soft-baked inspiration.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Making peppermint meltaways is simple even for beginners:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, powdered sugar, and egg until smooth.
3. Add in the peppermint emulsion and mix well.
4. Stir in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
5. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes—it makes it easier to handle.
6. Roll into ½ tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly on the sheet.
7. Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until they’re set and slightly puffed. Don’t overbake!

Check out Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe if you enjoy unique twists on classic flavors.

Making the Perfect Peppermint Glaze

Vanilla Glaze with Peppermint Crunch

A great peppermint meltaway isn’t complete without a light, sweet glaze and a little crunch on top. The glaze not only adds a glossy finish but also balances the texture with a hint of peppermint sparkle.

Start by combining softened butter and vegetable shortening (optional, but it helps the glaze set). Then slowly blend in powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is thick but spreadable. Add a splash of clear vanilla extract and the tiniest touch of red food coloring for that signature peppermint-pink hue.

Warm the glaze in the microwave for 10 seconds to thin it slightly. Once your cookies are out of the oven, glaze them while still warm and top immediately with crushed soft peppermint candies. This helps the candy stick before the icing sets.

Tip: Use soft peppermints like Bob’s Sweet Stripes to avoid cracking teeth and ensure that satisfying crunch without unpleasant sharp bits.

The Secret to an Even Glaze

• Use a spoon to drizzle, then spread with the back
• Or dip the tops quickly and flip back onto parchment
• Work quickly—this glaze sets fast once applied

Want to try a candy coating instead? Substitute vanilla extract for peppermint in the glaze for a double peppermint hit.

Tips, Storage, and Custom Variations

Tips for First-Time Bakers

If you’re new to baking peppermint meltaways, here are a few essential tips to make it foolproof:

• Let your dough rest: Even five minutes helps it firm up enough to handle
• Use a cookie scoop or half-tablespoon for consistent sizing
• These cookies don’t brown much—watch for a dry surface instead
• Apply the glaze while warm, but not hot enough to melt it instantly
• Only a pinch of red food coloring is needed for pastel-pink glaze

The dough will be sticky, and that’s normal. Don’t add extra flour—just trust the process!

Don’t miss our 3-Ingredient Pencil Cookies Recipe for another fun and easy baking idea.

How to Store and Freeze These Cookies

Peppermint meltaways store well, making them a great make-ahead treat for the holidays or unexpected guests.

• Countertop: In an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed cookies in layers with parchment in between for up to 3 months
• Re-thawing: Let thaw uncovered at room temp for 15–20 minutes

You can also freeze the dough in pre-rolled balls, then bake directly from frozen (add 1 extra minute to the bake time).

Want a year-round go-to cookie? Make a big batch and freeze half for later.

Check out our Ruler Rice Krispies Recipe to stock up on easy desserts for school lunches or bake sales.

Variations to Try with the Same Base

The beauty of this peppermint meltaway cookie recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust flavorings and toppings while keeping the same soft, melty texture.

Here are a few tasty variations:

Flavor	Swap Peppermint With…	Topping Idea
Classic Vanilla	Pure vanilla extract	White chocolate drizzle
Lemon Meltaways	Lemon zest + lemon extract	Powdered sugar + zest
Almond Bliss	Almond extract	Slivered almonds
Chocolate Mint	Cocoa in dough + peppermint	Chocolate glaze + mint crumbs
Strawberry Dream	Strawberry emulsion	Freeze-dried strawberries

Want a gluten-free version? Use a 1:1 gluten-free cake flour substitute—many bakers recommend King Arthur’s GF blend.

Check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another seasonal twist on soft cookies.

FAQ About Peppermint Meltaways

Conclusion

Peppermint Meltaways are the perfect balance of soft, buttery texture and fresh minty flavor. They come together quickly, require no chilling, and store well—making them a smart choice for both last-minute baking and planned holiday spreads.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe delivers a cookie that’s visually stunning, incredibly tasty, and crowd-approved. You can customize the flavor, switch up the toppings, and even freeze them for stress-free baking.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Fluff Recipe for another no-fuss treat that’s just as delightful.

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