Peppermint Meltaways are the holiday cookie that saved my sanity one particularly chaotic December. I’m Emeli, and if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complicated holiday baking that leaves you exhausted instead of excited, you’re in the right place. At FoodFansy, I believe that creating magical holiday moments shouldn’t require a culinary degree or hours of labor. This recipe is my love letter to stress-free holiday baking: buttery, cloud-like cookies that literally melt on your tongue, infused with that nostalgic peppermint flavor we all crave this time of year.
The story behind these Peppermint Meltaways starts in my grandmother’s kitchen in Prague, where she’d make similar butter cookies called “linecké těsto.” Years later, after training in professional kitchens and exploring dessert traditions around the world, I adapted her technique with a festive peppermint twist. The result? A cookie so tender it dissolves before you can even chew, with just enough minty brightness to feel special without overwhelming your palate.
What makes this recipe truly special is its elegant simplicity. While other holiday cookies demand precision piping, intricate decorating, or multiple steps, these meltaways come together in under 30 minutes with ingredients you likely already have. They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, last-minute gifts, or simply treating yourself during the busy season.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this recipe works so beautifully, how to choose quality ingredients, step-by-step instructions with my tested techniques, pro tips for achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, and creative variations to make them your own.
Why This Peppermint Meltaways Recipe Works
These cookies aren’t just another holiday recipe they’re engineered for success, convenience, and pure enjoyment. Here’s what makes them work:
- Uses affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients: No specialty items or expensive extracts required. Basic butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract create magic together.
- Ready in under 30 minutes total: From mixing bowl to cooling rack, these cookies respect your time. Perfect for weeknight baking or when surprise guests are coming.
- Foolproof texture every time: The high butter-to-flour ratio creates that signature tender crumb that melts away. Unlike finicky French cookies, these forgive minor measuring variations.
- Versatile for any occasion: While they shine during the holidays, swap the peppermint for almond extract and you’ve got elegant tea cookies year-round.
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: The dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, and baked cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for a week.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways
The beauty of Peppermint Meltaways lies in their simplicity, which means each ingredient plays a starring role. Here’s how to select the best components.
Best Butter for This Recipe
Quality butter is non-negotiable for meltaway cookies. Look for unsalted butter with at least 80% butterfat (European-style butters like Kerrygold or Plugrá work beautifully). The butter must be softened to room temperature not melted, not cold. It should leave a slight indent when pressed but still hold its shape. This creates the creamy texture that defines these cookies.
Choosing Your Peppermint Extract
Pure peppermint extract delivers the cleanest, brightest flavor without artificial aftertaste. McCormick and Simply Organic are reliable brands. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste the dough peppermint intensity varies by brand. If you prefer a gentler mint flavor, reduce to 3/4 teaspoon or use half peppermint and half vanilla for a balanced approach.
Powdered Sugar Quality Matters
Always sift your powdered sugar before measuring to eliminate lumps that create grainy cookies. Organic powdered sugar uses tapioca starch instead of cornstarch, which some bakers prefer for a silkier mouthfeel, though conventional works perfectly fine.
Substitutions and Adaptations
- Dairy-free version: Swap butter for high-quality vegan butter (Miyoko’s is excellent). The texture will be slightly less rich but still delightful.
- Extract alternatives: Try almond extract for amaretti-style cookies, or lemon extract with lemon zest for citrus meltaways.
- Add-ins: Crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or a pinch of cardamom can elevate the flavor profile.
Ingredients & Prep for Peppermint Meltaways
Proper preparation ensures smooth, stress-free baking. Here’s everything you need.
Cookie Dough Essentials
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt (enhances sweetness and balances mint)
Optional Topping:
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Work Before You Start
30 Minutes Before Baking:
- Remove butter from refrigerator and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces. Let sit at room temperature (68-72°F is ideal). Cold butter won’t cream properly; melted butter creates greasy cookies.
15 Minutes Before Baking:
- Sift powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Never skip this step the high butter content makes these cookies stick to unlined pans.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
- Mixing Equipment: Stand mixer with paddle attachment or handheld electric mixer (a wooden spoon won’t incorporate enough air)
- Measuring Tools: Measuring cups, measuring spoons, kitchen scale (optional but recommended for precision)
- Baking Essentials: Parchment paper, two baking sheets, wire cooling rack
- Finishing Tools: Fork for flattening, small offset spatula for transferring cookies
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Peppermint Meltaways
Follow these tested steps for perfect results every time.
Pre-Cooking Prep for Peppermint Meltaways
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven for even baking. Ensure your parchment-lined baking sheets are ready.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sifted powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. The mixture should increase in volume and look almost whipped. This incorporates air that creates the tender, melt-away texture.
Step 3: Add Extracts and Salt
Add peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even mixing. The dough will be soft, slightly sticky, and incredibly fragrant.
Cooking Method for Peppermint Meltaways
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or your hands, portion the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll gently between your palms to smooth. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart (they spread slightly during baking).
Step 5: Flatten and Garnish
Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each dough ball to flatten slightly about 1/4 inch thick. You can create a crosshatch pattern or simple single press. If desired, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top now, pressing gently so they adhere.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even cooking. The cookies are done when the edges are set and very lightly golden the centers should still look pale and soft. They will appear underdone, but they firm up during cooling.
Doneness Check for Peppermint Meltaways
The key to meltaway texture is avoiding overbaking. Look for these signs:
- Edges: Just barely beginning to turn golden (almost imperceptible color change)
- Centers: Still soft and pale, with a matte surface
- Texture when touched: Soft and delicate, not firm
- Timing: If you’re unsure, pull them at 10 minutes for the first batch and test
Remember: these cookies continue baking on the hot pan after removal from the oven. Overbaking creates dry, crumbly cookies instead of meltaways.
Cooling & Storing Peppermint Meltaways
Step 7: Initial Cooling
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They’re extremely delicate when hot and will break if moved too soon. During this time, they’ll set up just enough to transfer.
Step 8: Wire Rack Cooling
Using a thin spatula, carefully transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely about 15-20 minutes. They’ll firm up to a tender, delicate texture.
Step 9: Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meltaways
After years of testing these cookies, here are my insider secrets for guaranteed success.
Avoiding Dry or Crumbly Cookies
Don’t Overbake: This is the number one mistake. Pull cookies when they look slightly underdone. They’ll finish cooking on the pan and be perfectly tender when cooled.
Measure Accurately: Too much powdered sugar creates dry, crumbly cookies. Sift first, then spoon into measuring cups and level off don’t pack it down.
Room Temperature Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in dense cookies. Melted butter makes them greasy and flat. Room temperature is essential.
Tool Recommendations for Peppermint Meltaways
- Cookie Scoop: A 1-tablespoon scoop ensures uniform size for even baking
- Stand Mixer: While not required, it makes creaming butter effortless and incorporates maximum air
- Silicone Baking Mats: An alternative to parchment paper that’s reusable and provides excellent non-stick surface
- Offset Spatula: Makes transferring delicate cookies much easier than a regular spatula
Storage & Make-Ahead Magic
Freezing Dough: Roll dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Gifting Tips: Layer cookies in decorative tins with parchment between layers. They ship beautifully and stay fresh for days.
Refreshing Cookies: If cookies lose their crispness, warm in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes to restore texture.
Flavor Variations for Peppermint Meltaways
These cookies are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are my favorite adaptations.
Seasonal Twists
Chocolate Peppermint Meltaways: Add 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder to the dough. Reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup to compensate. Drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate.
Lemon Lavender Meltaways: Replace peppermint extract with lemon extract. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest and 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (ground finely). Perfect for spring gatherings.
Spiced Chai Meltaways: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and pinch of ground cloves. Use vanilla extract only (no peppermint).
Dietary Adaptations
Gluten-Free Option: These cookies are naturally low in structure, making them perfect for gluten-free baking. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture will be nearly identical to the original.
Lower Sugar Version: Replace half the powdered sugar with powdered erythritol for a reduced-sugar option. Note that texture will be slightly different more sandy, less melt-away.
Keto-Friendly: Use powdered allulose or erythritol exclusively. Add 1/4 cup almond flour for structure. These won’t have the exact meltaway texture but will be delicious.
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Flavor Profile | Key Ingredients | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Amaretti Style | Almond, slightly chewy | Almond extract, almond flour | Coffee pairing, elegant desserts |
| Mexican Wedding Cookies | Nutty, cinnamon-spiced | Toasted pecans, cinnamon, vanilla | Holiday platters, gift giving |
| French Earl Grey | Floral, sophisticated | Earl Grey tea (ground), vanilla | Afternoon tea, bridal showers |
| Middle Eastern Rose | Delicate, fragrant | Rose water, pistachios, cardamom | Special occasions, spring events |
| Tropical Coconut Lime | Bright, refreshing | Lime zest, coconut extract, toasted coconut | Summer parties, beach themes |
Each variation maintains the signature meltaway texture while transporting your taste buds around the world.
Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Meltaways
These delicate cookies shine in many settings. Here’s how to present and pair them beautifully.
Holiday Cookie Platters: Arrange Peppermint Meltaways alongside gingerbread cookies, chocolate crinkles, and shortbread for a festive variety. The pale color and minty flavor provide nice contrast.
Hot Beverage Pairings: Serve with peppermint hot chocolate, vanilla chai lattes, or strong espresso. The sweetness of the cookies balances bitter coffee perfectly.
Dessert Boards: Include these cookies on a winter dessert board with dark chocolate truffles, fresh berries, artisanal caramels, and aged cheese like white cheddar or aged gouda.
Ice Cream Accompaniment: Crush cookies and sprinkle over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or sandwich a small scoop between two cookies for an elegant ice cream sandwich.
Wine and Cocktail Pairings:
- Sparkling Wine: Prosecco or Champagne’s effervescence cuts through the richness
- Dessert Wine: Late harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti complements the sweetness
- Coffee Liqueur: Serve alongside espresso martinis or Irish coffee for adult gatherings
- Peppermint Schnapps: Echo the mint flavor in a holiday cocktail
FAQs About Peppermint Meltaways
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt. Salted butter varies in sodium content by brand, which can make cookies taste too salty. Unsalted butter gives you complete control over seasoning.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your butter was likely too soft or even melted. It should be pliable but still hold its shape. Also ensure you’re measuring powdered sugar correctly too little creates excessive spread. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before shaping can help.
Can I make these without an electric mixer?
Technically yes, but it requires significant arm strength and patience. You need to cream the butter and sugar for 5-7 minutes by hand to achieve proper texture. A mixer is highly recommended.
How do I fix cookies that turned out too crumbly?
Next batch, try reducing powdered sugar by 2-3 tablespoons or adding 1 tablespoon of milk to the dough. The dough should be soft and pliable, not dry. Also ensure you’re not overbaking.
Are these cookies safe during pregnancy?
Yes, these cookies contain no raw eggs or other ingredients of concern. They’re fully cooked and safe for pregnant women. If you have specific dietary concerns, consult your healthcare provider.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Peppermint oil is much more concentrated than extract you’ll need only 1/4 teaspoon or less. Start with a tiny amount (4-5 drops) and taste the dough, adding more if needed. Too much creates an overwhelming, medicinal flavor.
How do I prevent cookies from sticking to the pan?
Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Never bake these directly on the pan the high butter content guarantees sticking. Parchment is essential for success.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe scales perfectly. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar in batches if your mixer bowl can’t accommodate a triple batch comfortably.
Conclusion
Fire up your oven and experience the magic of Peppermint Meltaways tonight! These buttery, cloud-like cookies prove that the most memorable holiday treats don’t require hours of complicated work. In just 30 minutes, you’ll create something that tastes like it came from a European bakery tender, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible.
At FoodFansy, I believe that cooking should bring joy, not stress. This recipe embodies that philosophy: simple ingredients, straightforward technique, and spectacular results that make you look like a baking superstar. Whether you’re rushing to finish holiday preparations, looking for a last-minute gift, or simply craving something sweet and special, these cookies deliver.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!
Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight for Sweet Holidays
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Meltaways are creamy, festive, and perfect for holiday treats.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add peppermint and vanilla extract.
4. Shape dough into small balls and place on parchment-lined tray.
5. Flatten slightly with a fork and bake for 10–12 minutes.
6. Cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Optional notes:
Chill dough if too soft.
Freeze baked meltaways for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peppermint Meltaways, Holiday Cookies, Festive Dessert