Description

Peppermint Meltaways Cookies are soft, buttery holiday treats with a cool mint flavor and a snowy powdered sugar icing. They melt in your mouth and are quick and easy to make, perfect for gifting or sharing with family.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for dough)
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for dough)
Pinch of salt
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
1–2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (for icing)
Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
Mix in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until combined.
Add flour and cornstarch. Beat on low just until everything comes together. The dough will be soft and a little crumbly.
Scoop out teaspoons of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. If sticky, chill dough for 10 minutes.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies should have set edges and a pale, matte finish. Do not overbake.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract for the icing. The icing should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle or spread icing over cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let icing set for 10 minutes.

Notes

Do not overmix once flour and cornstarch are added to keep cookies tender. Room temperature butter is key for texture. Chill dough if sticky to prevent spreading. Sift powdered sugar for smooth icing. Cookies can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 110
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 30
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 13
Fiber: 0.5
Protein: 1

Keywords: peppermint meltaways, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, easy cookies, kid-friendly, edible gifts, powdered sugar cookies, mint cookies