As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Picture this: you take a bite into a Peppermint Meltaway, the buttery cookie crumbling softly in your mouth while a refreshing jolt of mint dances on your taste buds. It’s like a cozy winter hug, all wrapped up in a delightful treat!
I discovered this recipe in a moment of holiday frenzy as I scrambled for a last-minute dessert for a gathering—something easy to whip up but utterly irresistible. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these no-bake beauties transform into festive delights that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re spending time with family by the fireplace or mingling with friends at a holiday party, these meltaways are sure to steal the spotlight. Ready to bring some festive cheer into your kitchen? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Peppermint Meltaways a Holiday Favorite?
Delightful Texture: The soft, crumbly nature of these cookies melts in your mouth, offering a unique treat that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Effortless Preparation: With no baking required, you can whip these up in no time—an ideal solution for last-minute holiday gatherings.
Festive Flavor: Infused with refreshing peppermint, they capture the essence of the season and are perfect for holiday celebrations.
Versatile Indulgence: Customize them with various frostings or toppings, making them great for any festive occasion. From chocolate drizzles to colorful sprinkles, the options are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With their enchanting appearance and delicious taste, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit, leaving your guests asking for the recipe!
Peppermint Meltaways Ingredients
• Make the holiday season deliciously sweet!
For the Cookies
- Butter – Provides richness and tenderness; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the cookie and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture; can substitute with powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version.
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses your meltaways with refreshing flavor; avoid overusing as it can overpower other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Cornstarch – Creates a light, delicate texture; can replace with additional all-purpose flour if needed.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; a pinch of sea salt works well as a substitute.
For the Frosting
- Butter – Softened, for that rich frosting base.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting, ensuring it stays creamy.
- Milk – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency; dairy-free milk can be used for a vegan option.
- Peppermint Extract – Adds that signature peppermint flavor to the frosting; use mindfully for a balanced taste.
- Red Food Coloring (optional) – Perfect for decoration; can be omitted for a natural look or replaced with beet powder.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
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Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth base.
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Add Flavor: Mix in the peppermint extract until well incorporated, ensuring that the refreshing mint aroma fills your kitchen—it’s heavenly!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms. You should see a fluffy, slightly sticky mixture that’s easy to handle.
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Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand for that perfect cookie shape.
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Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers remain soft to the touch.
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Cool the Cookies: After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right!
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Prepare the Frosting: In another bowl, beat together softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy. If you want to add color, mix in red food coloring to achieve a festive look!
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Frost and Garnish: Once the cookies are cooled, generously frost each one and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that delightful crunch and festive touch.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent layer!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Peppermint Meltaways
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Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for perfect creaming; cold butter will yield a dense texture in your cookies.
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Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye while baking; cookies should remain soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, providing that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Mixing Matter: Be attentive when mixing your dough. Inconsistencies can lead to dry spots, which detract from the overall texture of your Peppermint Meltaways.
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Peppermint Balance: Use the peppermint extract sparingly—too much can overpower the sweet notes of the cookie. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance!
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Experiment with different frostings or add chocolate chips for a unique twist on your festive treats.
Storage Tips for Peppermint Meltaways
Room Temperature: Store your Peppermint Meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough for up to 1 month. Shape into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer bag.
Reheating: To enjoy these cookies fresh, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If desired, a quick 5 minutes in a 350°F oven can warm them up for that freshly-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Meltaways are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Alternatively, roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to a month. To maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s crucial to let the dough come to room temperature before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake the refrigerated dough or frozen balls directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time as needed. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a festive treat ready to impress, all without the last-minute stress!
What to Serve with Peppermint Meltaways?
As the nostalgic aroma of peppermint fills your kitchen, consider these delightful pairings that elevate your holiday dessert experience.
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Hot Cocoa: A classic companion, this warm drink balances the minty flavor of the cookies while adding a rich chocolatey touch—perfect for cold winter evenings.
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Coffee: The bitterness of freshly brewed coffee contrasts with the sweetness of the meltaways, creating an irresistible flavor combination that awakens your senses.
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Fruit Platter: A fresh and vibrant fruit platter adds a touch of color and a burst of natural sweetness that complements the rich and creamy texture of the cookies beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm meltaway with creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that’s indulgently soothing and rewarding.
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Peppermint Tea: For a refreshing and herbal touch, a cup of peppermint tea pairs wonderfully, harmonizing the flavors and enhancing the festive spirit.
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Cheeseboard: Include some sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a cheeseboard for a sophisticated twist that mellows the sweetness of the cookies and provides delightful texture variety.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of rich chocolate sauce over the meltaways adds an extra layer of decadence, turning your treats into show-stoppers.
Transform your holiday gatherings with these perfect accompaniments, making every bite of your Peppermint Meltaways even more memorable!
Peppermint Meltaways Variations
Feel free to put your unique spin on these delightful treats and make them your own!
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Sugar-Free: Substitute confectioners’ sugar with powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version that still tastes fantastic. Perfect for those watching their sugar intake!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family. These cookies are just as delightful with this swap!
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Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosted cookies for a rich, decadent finish that will satisfy any chocolate craving.
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Nutty Variation: Toss in some finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough to give your meltaways a satisfying crunch and added flavor.
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Almond Infusion: Swap out peppermint extract for almond extract for a cozy twist that creates a whole new flavor profile—think marzipan vibes!
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Bold & Spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice that beautifully complements the peppermint. This creates a lovely holiday spice blend!
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Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter take, use whipped cream cheese or whipped coconut cream instead of traditional frosting—this adds a light, airy texture and isn’t overly sweet.
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Color Fusion: Replace red food coloring with green or use a mix for a festive look—your cookies will stand out with vibrant colors that match the season!
These variations offer endless possibilities to elevate your Peppermint Meltaways and make every batch uniquely yours!
Peppermint Meltaways Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Peppermint Meltaways?
Absolutely! It’s best to use unsalted butter that’s softened at room temperature. This ensures it creams well with the sugar, creating a light and airy texture. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into small pieces to help it soften faster!
How should I store Peppermint Meltaways after baking?
To keep your Peppermint Meltaways fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last a bit longer, move them to the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Peppermint Meltaways? How?
Yes, you can freeze them! If you have leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, scoop the cookie balls onto a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag, which helps maintain their shape.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your Peppermint Meltaway dough is too crumbly, don’t worry! Try adding a splash of milk (1-2 teaspoons at a time) until it comes together. Make sure not to overmix after adding the liquid, as this can lead to denser cookies.
Are Peppermint Meltaways safe for pets?
While delicious for humans, these cookies contain ingredients like butter and sugar that may not be suitable for pets. Particularly, the peppermint extract can be harmful to dogs if ingested in significant amounts. Always keep treats like Peppermint Meltaways out of reach of your furry friends!
Can I modify the Peppermint Meltaways for dietary restrictions?
Very! You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. For a sugar-free version, swap out the confectioners’ sugar with powdered erythritol. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Peppermint Meltaways: Effortless No-Bake Holiday Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes, creating a smooth base.
- Mix in the peppermint extract until well incorporated, ensuring that the refreshing mint aroma fills your kitchen.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand for that perfect cookie shape.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat together softened butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are cooled, generously frost each one and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that delightful crunch.