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 – see tips); 1 cup powdered sugar sifted; 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled; 1½ tablespoons heavy cream; ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (amount depends on preferred peppermint flavor); crushed peppermint candies for garnish

There’s something wonderfully tender and festive about this melt-in-your-mouth treat that I just can’t resist. This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe delivers that delicate, buttery texture paired with a refreshing peppermint kiss — perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.

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 express enough how much joy these peppermint meltaway cookies bring to my kitchen. They’re not just cookies; they’re a cozy tradition that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to share. What’s cooler? They’re surprisingly simple but have that “wow” factor in every bite.

Buttery, Silky Texture: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cornstarch gives these cookies that tender meltaway feel you’ll adore.
Perfect Peppermint Punch: Peppermint extract in both cookie and frosting layers creates a refreshing, layered flavor experience.
Easy to Customize: From changing extracts to adjusting frosting thickness, this recipe invites creativity.
Small Batch Magic: Yields just enough cookies to share without overwhelming your kitchen or leaving you with endless leftovers.

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

These cookies are a lesson in simplicity — each ingredient has a clear purpose that builds on the peppermint theme and buttery softness. A quick shop, and you're ready to bake!

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: Very soft but not melted butter blends beautifully with condensed milk, providing richness and tenderness.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture and sweetness, helping to create that meltaway texture everyone's talking about.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor — this gives the cookies and frosting their refreshing holiday zing.
Cornstarch: Key to that silky-smooth, delicate crumb; adding extra by tablespoons if needed helps you get the perfect dough consistency.
Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, making it smooth and sweet without grittiness.
Heavy Cream: Balances the frosting texture, allowing you to adjust thickness easily.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor in your presentation.

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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

I enjoy switching up the peppermint intensity depending on the season — a little more for winter holidays, a bit less for casual treats. Personalizing the frosting is my favorite, too, especially when I swap peppermint extract for lemon for a bright twist.

Variation: Once, I replaced peppermint extract with almond and topped the frosting with slivered almonds — an unexpected but delicious change my family loved.

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

Step 1: Soften Butter Just Right

Start with butter that’s super soft but not melted — I like to press a finger into it gently. If it’s too firm, zap it in the microwave for just 5-8 seconds. This makes the mixing with condensed milk smooth without lumps, which is the key to your cookie’s tender texture.

Step 2: Whip Together Butter, Condensed Milk & Peppermint

In a medium bowl, beat the butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peppermint extract with a hand mixer until completely smooth. No lumps, no streaks. This step sets the stage for soft, silky cookies — take your time here.

Step 3: Add Cornstarch and Create Dough

Gradually add your cornstarch and mix on low speed until you get a dough that feels like thick peanut butter. If too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons more cornstarch, but be careful — too much will dry them out. The dough should be soft, hold its shape when scooped, but not runny or crumbly.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes — watch for just a hint of gold around the edges. Don’t overbake or they’ll lose that meltaway magic!

Step 5: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (this helps them set), then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting. This step is crucial so the frosting doesn't melt off your delicate cookies.

Step 6: Whip Up Peppermint Frosting

Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract in a medium bowl and beat until thick and spreadable but still firm. Adjust with extra cream or sugar until you get the perfect consistency — think creamy pillow topping.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Spread about 2 teaspoons of frosting on each cookie, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top for that classic festive crunch. Let the frosting set a bit before serving, or enjoy immediately for a softer finish.

Top Tip

From years of making peppermint meltaway cookies, I’ve learned small things make a world of difference. These tips can help you perfect your batch and avoid pitfalls.

Consistent Butter Softness: Always check butter softness before starting; too firm messes with mixing, too melted changes cookie texture.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Just combine ingredients until smooth — too much air can flatten cookies and make them tough.
Adjust Cornstarch Carefully: The dough texture is key! Add extra cornstarch by tablespoons only if the dough feels too sticky to scoop and hold shape.
Frost After Cooling Completely: Frosting melts if cookies aren’t cool, so patience pays off for that perfect finish.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

peppermint meltaway cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love topping these cookies with extra crushed peppermint candies — they add just the right pop of color and festive crunch. For special occasions, a light dusting of edible glitter or a drizzle of dark chocolate pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of rich cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a creamy eggnog in the holidays. I like to serve them alongside a simple cheese plate for a charming party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like arranging these cookies in a circular wreath shape on a festive platter. Adding sprigs of fresh pine or holly around the edge amps up the visual appeal and seasonal spirit. Wrapping small batches in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white twine makes for easy, beautiful gift-giving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover peppermint meltaway cookies in an airtight container in a single layer on the counter. This keeps them fresh and tender for up to 2 days — longer storage tends to dry them out.

Freezing

Because of their delicate texture, I don’t recommend freezing these cookies. They tend to lose that signature meltaway quality once frozen and thawed.

Reheating

If you want to reheat, a very gentle 5-10 second warm-up in the microwave can soften the frosting slightly, but I usually prefer eating them chilled or at room temperature to keep the texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made and stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before scooping to keep that perfect tender texture.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different but delicious flavor twist. Or experiment with lemon extract for a fresh citrus take, much like my lemon meltaway cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Bake until you see just a slight golden edge around each cookie, usually about 10-12 minutes. They’ll feel firm but soft to the touch — overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the timer!

Can I make a bigger batch?

Yes! This recipe yields about a dozen cookies, but you can easily double the ingredients for larger batches. Just keep frosting quantities proportional to keep the perfect flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s my go-to for a cozy, sweet peppermint treat with just the right balance of buttery comfort and festive flair. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own little tradition too. Trust me, once you experience that tender bite with the creamy peppermint frosting, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every holiday and beyond.