There’s nothing quite like the festive aroma of peppermint to get you in the holiday spirit. These Easy Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with Frosting are a holiday must-have, combining a soft, buttery base with a creamy, mint-infused frosting. Topped with crushed candy canes, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cookie swaps, or just to indulge in your love of peppermint desserts.

Let’s dive into creating these irresistibly delicious cookies step by step!

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

• Delicate Texture: These cookies truly melt in your mouth, thanks to their light, buttery base.
• Festive Flavor: A touch of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes make these the ultimate holiday treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: They’re easy to make in batches, making them ideal for gifting or parties.
• Customizable: Add food coloring for a festive touch or switch up the toppings for a fun twist.

Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with Frosting

Cookie Dough

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (226g)
Confectioners’ sugar	⅔ cup (80g)
Egg yolk (room temperature)	1
Pure vanilla extract	1 tsp
Peppermint extract	½ tsp
All-purpose flour	2 cups (250g)
Cornstarch	¼ cup (30g)
Baking powder	1 tsp
Salt	¼ tsp

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	6 tbsp (85g)
Confectioners’ sugar	1½ cups (180g)
Milk	1–2 tbsp (15–30ml)
Pure vanilla extract	½ tsp
Peppermint extract	¼ tsp
Food coloring (optional)	1 drop

Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Crushed candy canes	¼ cup (40g)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 1 minute). Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on low for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
   Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat on high speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until a thick, creamy dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough:
   Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture.

2. Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Shape the Dough:
   Scoop and roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon (20–22g) each. Place the balls 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand to about 2 inches in diameter.
3. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake for 13–14 minutes, or until the edges appear set. The cookies will remain pale and shouldn’t brown, so watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
4. Cool the Cookies:
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Cream the Butter:
   Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 1 minute).
2. Add Sugar and Flavoring:
   Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
3. Adjust Consistency:
   If the frosting is too thick, add more milk (1 teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar.
4. Optional Tinting:
   For a festive touch, add 1 drop of red or pink food coloring and mix until evenly tinted.

4. Decorate the Cookies

1. Frost the Cookies:
   Use a knife or icing spatula to spread a generous layer of frosting onto each cooled cookie.
2. Add Candy Cane Topping:
   Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting for a festive finish.
3. Set the Frosting:
   Allow the frosting to set for a few hours at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Platters: These cookies are a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
• Gift Boxes: Pack them in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with Drinks: Enjoy them with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or coffee for a cozy treat.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: Chilling ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour to avoid dense cookies.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: Even a small amount enhances the cookie’s flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	160
Protein	1g
Total Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	0g

FAQs About Peppermint Meltaway Cookies

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.

4. How do I crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.

5. Can I omit the peppermint extract?

Yes! Vanilla extract alone works well if you prefer a less minty flavor.

6. What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Creative Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the frosting.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds instead of candy canes.
• Lemon Mint: Replace the peppermint extract with lemon extract for a refreshing twist.

Conclusion: A Holiday Favorite

These Easy Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with Frosting are everything you love about the holidays in cookie form. Their buttery texture, refreshing peppermint flavor, and festive candy cane topping make them a treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and start baking a batch of these delightful cookies. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring them yourself, they’re sure to spread holiday cheer with every bite.

Print