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 (adjust to preferred peppermint flavor); crushed peppermint candies for garnish

There’s something utterly magical about biting into a cookie that just melts on your tongue—soft, delicate, and infused with crisp peppermint flavor. This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe delivers that perfect balance of light texture and festive minty sweetness, making it an irresistible treat to enjoy any time of year.

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 tell you how many times I’ve made these peppermint meltaways during the holidays — they’re one of those rare cookies that stay wonderfully tender, even a day or two after baking. Plus, that cool peppermint twist is just so refreshing, especially if you enjoy flavors that aren’t overly sweet.

Delicate Texture: These cookies literally melt in your mouth, thanks to the cornstarch-based dough that’s soft but holds its shape perfectly.
Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and simple steps—no fancy tools or complicated techniques needed.
Customizable Peppermint Flavor: You control how minty you want them by adjusting the peppermint extract in both the cookie and frosting.
Perfect for Holidays or Any Time: Pretty enough for gift-giving but subtle enough to enjoy year-round.

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

Each ingredient in the Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe plays a super important role in the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth magic. Knowing a bit about why helps when you’re shopping or thinking of tweaks.

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: Softened (but not melted) butter gives these cookies their rich, tender texture and buttery flavor. It’s key to room temp butter—not too firm or you’ll get lumps.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a bit of chewiness to the cookie base, balancing cornstarch’s dryness.
Peppermint Extract: Provides that refreshing, cool flavor—use sparingly at first to avoid overpowering the cookie.
Cornstarch: The secret ingredient that makes these meltaway cookies so soft. Just enough keeps them from spreading while lending a delicate crumb.
Powdered Sugar: It's perfect for the frosting’s smooth sweetness and helps it set nicely without graininess.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps reach the right frosting consistency—if the frosting is too stiff, this is your go-to fix.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Simple garnish that adds crunch, festive color, and extra peppermint punch.

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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 love adding a little twist when I’m in the mood for variety — like swapping peppermint extract for almond or lemon extract to completely change the vibe of this meltaway cookie. You can make it your own!

Variation: I once switched out peppermint for vanilla extract and sprinkled crushed pistachios on top instead of peppermint candies — it was like a whole new cookie but just as dreamy.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by mixing your very soft butter with sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract. Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed works great here to get a super smooth blend with no lumps. Don’t rush this step — a smooth base means tender cookies down the line.

Step 2: Incorporate the Cornstarch

Add in the cornstarch on low speed. You want the dough fully mixed yet still soft and slightly crumbly, almost like thick peanut butter. If it’s too sticky, gradually add 1–2 tablespoons more cornstarch, but careful — too much makes cookies dry and chalky.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, drop level scoops of dough spaced 2 inches apart onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, just until edges are lightly golden. My tip? Don’t over-bake! These cookies are fragile and dry out quickly.

Step 4: Prepare the Peppermint Frosting

While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Aim for a spreadable but shape-holding frosting — add more cream if it’s too thick, or a bit more powdered sugar if too thin.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Spread about 2 teaspoons of frosting on each cooled cookie, then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for that festive crunch. Let them set for a bit before enjoying or packaging up.

Top Tip

Through my many batches of Peppermint Meltaway Cookies, I’ve learned that a soft butter consistency and controlling the cornstarch amount are absolute game-changers. These tips will save you time and keep your cookies perfectly tender every single time.

Butter Softness: Don’t try to use melted butter; soft room temperature butter is what creates the tender, tender texture here.
Cornstarch Control: Start with 1 cup and only add more if the dough feels too sticky—it should be scoopable and hold shape without crumbling.
Don't Overmix: Just mix until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing introduces air that leads to flat, chewy cookies instead of meltaways.
Frosting Flavor Balance: Add peppermint extract to the frosting in small increments, tasting as you go—peppermint can be strong, but when balanced, it’s heavenly.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe

peppermint meltaway cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for crushed peppermint candies as a garnish because they add crunch and a pop of color—plus, they amp up the peppermint flavor. For a festive twist, you can also sprinkle a bit of edible silver glitter or drizzle melted dark chocolate.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with these cookies than a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint mocha latte. If you’re making a dessert platter, I like adding simple whipped cream or a small bowl of berry jam on the side for something fresh and tangy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a pretty platter lined with evergreen sprigs and red ribbons. Layering them in small gift boxes with parchment and twine makes for a lovely handmade gift that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Peppermint Meltaway Cookies in a single layer in an airtight container on the counter, and they hold their tender texture for up to two days. After that, they start losing that signature meltaway quality, so eating them fresh is best.

Freezing

Due to their delicate texture, I don’t recommend freezing these cookies. From experience, freezing tends to make them crumbly and less tender once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to revive the softness of leftover cookies, just let them sit at room temperature for a while. I don’t suggest microwaving or reheating since meltaway cookies are best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for the moisture, sweetness, and texture of these cookies. Regular milk doesn’t provide the same density or sweetness, so I recommend sticking with the recipe for the best meltaway results.

What if my cookie dough is too sticky or dry?

If your dough feels too sticky, gradually add more cornstarch by 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds shape but isn’t too dry. If it’s too dry and crumbly, check your butter’s softness or reduce cornstarch slightly. The dough should be soft, scoopable, and slightly crumbly—like thick peanut butter.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe is easy to double or even triple. Just be sure to use a larger bowl and give yourself enough baking sheets—these cookies need space to bake evenly.

How do I adjust the peppermint flavor?

I recommend starting with the lower amount of peppermint extract in the frosting and tasting as you go. Peppermint can be strong, so adding a bit at a time ensures your cookies don’t become overpowering. You can also experiment by adding other extracts for variety.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Peppermint Meltaway Cookies Recipe with friends has become one of my favorite kitchen moments—watching their faces light up with that first buttery, minty bite is priceless. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again. So grab your mixer, gather your ingredients, and create a batch that’s sure to become a cherished tradition.