Oh wow, these Peppermint Meltaways stopped me in my tracks. The minty smell hit first. I knew right away they were special.

I made them once, and honestly, they melted in my mouth. The soft cookie and cool peppermint felt so cozy. It was like a little holiday hug.

Now I crave them every winter. They look pretty, taste light, and feel magical. I always want just one more.

So let me show you how I make them at home. It’s easy, I promise. Let’s bake these sweet little treats together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The light, airy consistency of these cookies will have you swooning with every bite.
Peppermint Flavor: The cool and refreshing hint of peppermint pairs perfectly with the rich butter and vanilla.
Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to nail these cookies. The recipe is straightforward and simple.
Perfect for the Holidays: Peppermint is the quintessential holiday flavor, making these cookies an ideal choice for festive gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store beautifully, so you can bake them in advance and have them ready to serve at a party or event.
Garnished for Extra Delight: A crushed peppermint garnish adds texture and a pop of color to these already gorgeous cookies.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, here are the basic tools you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: A few mixing bowls to combine dry and wet ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To beat the butter and sugar, and later incorporate the flour.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for the perfect cookies, so make sure to measure out your ingredients.
Baking Sheets: You’ll need a few of these to place your cookies on while baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For an easy clean-up and to keep the cookies from sticking.
Wire Rack: To cool the cookies after baking, ensuring they keep their crisp texture.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the ingredients for the glaze.
Small Knife or Mallet: To crush the peppermints for the garnish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious peppermint cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 cup (222g) salted butter, softened: The base for the cookies, providing richness and helping them melt in your mouth.
1 1/4 cups (137g) powdered sugar: This adds a light sweetness to balance out the other flavors and gives the cookies their meltaway texture.
1 egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the delicate texture of the cookie.
1 tsp peppermint bakery emulsion (or peppermint extract): The perfect way to infuse the cookies with that unmistakable peppermint flavor.
2 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour: This flour creates a lighter, softer cookie, essential for the meltaway effect.
1 tsp baking powder: This provides just the right amount of lift to the cookies, giving them the perfect texture.
1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness and flavors of the peppermint and butter.

For the Vanilla Glaze with Peppermint Bits:

2 tbsp butter: To melt into the glaze and help it set.
1/2 tbsp vegetable shortening (optional): This ingredient helps the glaze harden slightly on the outside of the cookie, creating a glossy finish.
3/4 cup (80g) powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the glaze to the perfect consistency.
1/8 cup (30ml) milk (more if needed): To thin the glaze to your desired consistency.
1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract: For a smooth vanilla flavor that complements the peppermint.
Red food coloring: Just a few drops to give the glaze a festive red hue.
1/4 cup (42g) Bob’s Sweet Stripes soft peppermints, crushed: The final touch! Crushed peppermints garnish the cookies with a pop of color and extra peppermint flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure easy removal of the cookies after baking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened salted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best texture.

3. Add the Egg and Peppermint Emulsion

Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the egg and peppermint emulsion (or extract). Beat again until everything is combined smoothly. The peppermint emulsion adds a rich, flavorful kick that gives these cookies their signature minty taste.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cookies to become tough instead of meltaway soft.

5. Form the Dough

Once the dough is mixed, it should be soft and slightly sticky. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Flatten the Cookies

To get the signature meltaway look, gently press each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This will help them bake evenly and give them a nice, smooth top.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. These cookies will be delicate, so be careful not to over-bake. You want them to remain soft and melt-in-your-mouth.

8. Let the Cookies Cool

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Vanilla Glaze with Peppermint Bits

1. Melt the Butter and Shortening

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and vegetable shortening (optional) together. Start by microwaving them in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth.

2. Whisk in Powdered Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla

Once the butter and shortening have melted, whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and clear vanilla extract until smooth. You can add more milk if the glaze is too thick. The consistency should be thick but spreadable, similar to a glaze or frosting.

3. Add Food Coloring

Add just a few drops of red food coloring to the glaze and mix until the color is evenly distributed. This gives the glaze a festive, bright red hue perfect for the holidays.

4. Dip the Cookies in the Glaze

Once the cookies have cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the vanilla glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. This will coat the cookies with a sweet, glossy finish.

5. Garnish with Crushed Peppermints

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the crushed peppermints on top. This adds a delightful crunch and additional minty flavor that makes each bite even more irresistible.

6. Let the Glaze Set

Place the glazed cookies on a wire rack to allow the glaze to harden. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour. The glaze will dry to a shiny, firm coating, giving your cookies the perfect festive finish.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways

These Peppermint Meltaways are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings. Their delicate texture and refreshing peppermint flavor make them the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Here are a few serving ideas:

Holiday Parties: Serve these meltaways on a platter as part of a holiday cookie spread.
Gift Giving: Package them up in a decorative tin or jar for a thoughtful homemade gift.
With a Cup of Tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa for a cozy, relaxing treat.
As a Dessert: They make a beautiful dessert at holiday dinners or special events.

Storing Peppermint Meltaways

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration: If you prefer to keep them fresher for longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	95 kcal
Total Fat	6 g
└ Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	18 mg
Sodium	25 mg
Total Carbohydrates	10 g
└ Dietary Fiber	0 g
└ Total Sugars	5 g
Protein	1 g