If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday cookie that delivers pure festive joy in every bite, look no further—Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh are an absolute must-bake treat. Their delicate, buttery crumb and cool peppermint frosting topped with sparkling crushed candies make them a showstopper on any dessert table. Not only do they taste like a winter wonderland, but they also melt seamlessly in your mouth, winning over kids and adults alike. Whether for gifting or indulging, these cookies embody the spirit of the season and promise smiles all around!

Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beautiful simplicity of Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh lies in a handful of kitchen staples, carefully selected to balance texture, flavor, and that signature soft pink hue. Each ingredient plays a starring role, so don’t skimp!

Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. Room temperature butter blends best.
Confectioners’ sugar (1/2 cup for cookies, 1 1/2 cups for frosting): Creates a tender crumb and a silky, sweet topping.
Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon for cookies, 1/4 teaspoon for frosting): The secret to that cool, festive zing—add a bit more if you love extra minty!
All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure while keeping the cookies delicately light.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Adds a dreamy, meltaway softness that distinguishes these cookies from the rest.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance and enhance all the sweet and minty flavors.
Butter for frosting (2 tablespoons, softened): Makes the frosting creamy and helps it set perfectly atop each cookie.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Thins out the frosting to a spreadable consistency—add a splash more for extra creaminess if you need it.
Red food coloring (2-3 drops, optional): For that classic blush of pink in the frosting, making every bite extra cheerful.
Crushed peppermint candies: The sparkling finishing touch—adds crunch, color, and more minty goodness.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by beating together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large mixing bowl. This step is key for creating that signature light, fluffy foundation—take your time to really let the air whip through. Once that’s ready, blend in the peppermint extract and breathe in that irresistible holiday aroma!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. The cornstarch is magic here, ensuring every bite of your Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh is tender and pillowy. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mixture, blending just until a soft, cohesive dough appears.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This brief chill helps the cookies keep their perfect round shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Using a spoon or small scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls—keeping them uniform makes for a professional look. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets so they bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for barely golden bottoms and pale tops—that’s the secret cue they’re finished. Carefully transfer to wire racks and let them cool fully, resisting the urge to frost while warm (it’s tough, I know!).

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your beauties cool, whip up the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring if using. The end result should be smooth, softly pink, and easy to spread—add an extra dash of milk if needed.

Step 7: Decorate

Once the cookies are cool, slather on that lovely frosting. Sprinkle generously with crushed peppermint candies for sparkle and crunch. Give the frosting a few minutes to set—it’s the final touch that makes Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh so special!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh

Garnishes

Go all-out with the crushed peppermint candies—don’t hold back! Their frosty pop of flavor and color perfectly contrast the soft cookie. For extra flair, dust lightly with sparkling sugar or add a tiny mint leaf to each finished cookie. It’s a delightful treat that looks as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a steamy peppermint mocha for the ultimate wintertime snack. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside a holiday cookie platter featuring chocolate crinkles and shortbread for a varied festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, arrange the cookies in a pretty tin or box with parchment paper between layers—such a thoughtful homemade present! Stack them in a glass jar and tie with a red ribbon for a rustic-chic look. Or, offer them on a tiered stand at your holiday party for serious wow factor. However you display them, these cookies always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for about 3-4 days—if they last that long! Separate layers with parchment to preserve the frosting and keep candies from sticking.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze baked, unfrosted cookies and frost them after thawing. If you freeze fully decorated cookies, note that the texture of the frosting and candies may change a bit upon thawing.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to take the chill off after freezing, simply set them on the counter for an hour. Avoid microwaving frosted cookies, as it can make the frosting runny—patience here pays off!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free as well. The texture will still be dreamy and soft.

How far ahead can I prepare the dough?

Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh dough can chill in the fridge for up to 48 hours before shaping and baking, making them perfect for busy schedules or holiday prep.

Do I have to use food coloring in the frosting?

Nope! The food coloring is purely for that cheerful pink hue. The flavor and texture of the cookies won’t be affected if you skip it—your cookies will just have natural white frosting instead.

Will other extracts work instead of peppermint?

You can definitely experiment with other extracts; vanilla or almond would create a lovely variation. However, peppermint is what gives Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh their holiday magic, so only swap if you can’t do mint.

How should I crush the peppermint candies?

Place unwrapped peppermint candies in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy mug. Go for a mix of fine powder and chunky bits for the best look and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful and comforting about sharing a tin of Peppermint Meltaways: A Festive Deligh. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just because, these cookies promise memorable flavor and a dose of festive cheer. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked with just one melt-in-your-mouth bite!