Name: Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Delight Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional); Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

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Introduction

Peppermint Meltaways are tender, buttery cookies with a refreshing hint of mint, topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy. These festive treats bring a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering and are as delightful to make as they are to enjoy.

The image shows a white scalloped-edge plate holding seven round, light beige cookies with a soft texture and slight cracks on their surface. Each cookie is topped with one swirl of creamy, light pink frosting, decorated with small red and white crushed peppermint pieces scattered on top and around the plate. In the background, on a white marbled surface, there is a white bowl filled with whole round peppermint candies, and a few broken peppermint pieces lie nearby. The overall look is festive with a soft, cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peppermint extract for a fresh minty aroma.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 3: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a small bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and red food coloring if using. Beat until smooth.
Step 7: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Let the frosting set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring along with the red to create a holiday swirl effect in the frosting.
You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a milder flavor or add a pinch of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist.
Chilling the dough is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much; don’t skip this step.
If you don’t have crushed peppermint candies, use finely chopped candy canes or skip the garnish for a simpler look.

Storage

Store Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before serving, let chilled cookies come to room temperature for the best texture. These cookies also freeze well—wrap them tightly and freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

A group of small, round sugar cookies with a smooth, light beige base showing a soft texture are arranged on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Most cookies have a thick swirl of pale pink frosting on top, with a slightly glossy and creamy texture, sprinkled with small pieces of crushed red and white candy cane. Three cookies are plain without frosting, showing their light, soft dough color. To the right, a clear glass bowl holds a large amount of the same pink frosting, swirled smoothly. In front of it, a small white bowl contains more crushed candy cane pieces with red and white fragments. A metal spatula with a wooden handle, smeared with pink frosting, lies next to the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.

How do I crush peppermint candies easily?

Place the peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until you reach the desired size.