Peppermint Meltaways

Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 5, 2025

Delicious Peppermint Meltaways featuring creamy chocolate and mint flavor

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Peppermint Meltaways are classic, buttery shortbread cookies infused with peppermint and rolled in powdered sugar. This easy recipe yields irresistibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifts, or cozy winter baking. Ready in under 30 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meltaways Recipe

This peppermint meltaways recipe is a holiday essential. These cookies are beloved for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, all coated in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. They’re incredibly simple to make—no chilling required—and use pantry-staple ingredients. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe delivers perfect, festive cookies every time, making them ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or edible gifts.

Essential Ingredients & Substitutions

Quality ingredients are key to the perfect texture and flavor of these classic peppermint cookies.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for rich flavor and that signature tender crumb. Use high-quality, real butter for the best results. For a dairy-free version, a good-quality vegan butter stick works well.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup for rolling): Also called confectioners’ sugar. It sweetens the dough without making it gritty and creates the final snowy coating.
Peppermint Extract (1 teaspoon): Provides the essential, refreshing mint flavor. For a stronger mint taste, you can increase to 1 ¼ teaspoons. Do not use peppermint oil, as it is much more potent and can make the cookies taste medicinal.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives the cookies structure. For gluten-free peppermint meltaways, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. No need to grease your baking sheets.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes). This step incorporates air, which is crucial for the cookies’ delicate texture.

3. Add Flavor

Beat in the peppermint extract and salt until fully combined. The kitchen will fill with a wonderful festive aroma.

4. Incorporate Flour

Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture with the mixer on low speed. Mix just until the dough comes together and no dry flour remains. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

5. Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon of dough each). For uniformity and ease, a small cookie scoop is highly recommended. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

6. Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or just until the bottoms are very lightly golden. The tops should not brown. They will be very soft; this is normal.

7. The Sugar Coat

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for exactly 2 minutes. Then, while still warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Second Dusting (Pro Tip)

Once the cookies are completely cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar. This creates a beautiful, thick, snowy coating that won’t melt into the cookie.

Expert Tips for Perfect Meltaways

Butter Temp is Key: Use room-temperature butter (soft to the touch but not melted). This is non-negotiable for creaming properly.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies are done when they are just set and the bottoms have a hint of color. They will firm up as they cool.
Roll While Warm: Rolling in powdered sugar at the 2-minute mark allows the sugar to adhere perfectly, creating that classic look.
Double Coat: The second dusting after cooling ensures a picture-perfect, snowy finish that won’t be absorbed.
Storage Secret: Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers when storing to keep the powdered sugar coating intact.

How to Store & Freeze

Storage: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Add a piece of bread to the container to help maintain softness (the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread).

Freezing: These cookies freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months.

Delicious Variations to Try

Chocolate-Dipped Meltaways: Dip half of a cooled cookie in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Lemon or Almond Meltaways: Replace the peppermint extract with 1 tsp of pure lemon extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Peppermint Chocolate Chip: Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping.
“Snowball” Cookies: Add ½ cup of very finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my meltaways dry and crumbly?

This is usually due to over-measuring the flour or overmixing the dough. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off—don’t scoop. Mix only until the flour is incorporated.

Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

Yes, you can use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease to cream the butter and sugar, though it will take more effort to achieve the light, fluffy texture needed.

My cookies spread too much. What happened?

This is likely due to butter that was too warm or melted. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. You can also chill the shaped dough balls for 20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is very warm.

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

It’s not recommended. Peppermint oil is highly concentrated and can easily overpower the cookies, creating a harsh, medicinal taste. Stick with pure peppermint extract for the best flavor.

How do I get a thick, white powdered sugar coating?

The secret is the double coat! Roll the cookies in sugar once when they are slightly warm (after 2 minutes of cooling), and then again once they are completely cool. This builds a perfect layer.

Final Thoughts

These easy Peppermint Meltaways are more than just a cookie; they’re a bite of holiday magic. Their simple elegance and irresistible texture make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We hope this recipe becomes a treasured part of your holiday baking tradition.

Did you make this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on social media @YourHandle or leave a comment and rating below to let us know how it turned out.

For more festive dessert inspiration, explore our complete collection of Christmas Cookie Recipes.