The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about making peppermint meltaway cookies. Every year on Crete, even though we don’t have snowy winters like in the U.S., my kitchen still feels like a winter wonderland when the smell of peppermint fills the air. It instantly takes me back to my childhood, watching my grandmother mixing butter and sugar with her old wooden spoon, humming softly while I waited (impatiently!) to lick the bowl.
Now at 38, I still feel that same spark of joy, especially when I make peppermint meltaway cookies for friends and family. These little bites are soft, buttery, and so delicate they literally melt on your tongue. That mix of cool peppermint and sweet creamy frosting is irresistible. I love serving them at Christmas parties, packaging them as gifts, or leaving a plate on the table for anyone to snack on throughout the day.
What I adore most about peppermint meltaway cookies is how simple they are. You don’t need fancy techniques or special equipment just butter, sugar, cornstarch, and a holiday spirit. They’re the kind of cookies that make people smile the moment they take a bite. And honestly? They disappear almost as fast as I bake them.
I always say food brings people together, and these peppermint meltaway cookies do exactly that. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into holiday baking for the first time, these cookies will become a cozy, memory-making tradition in your home too. So grab your mixing bowl let’s create something sweet, festive, and full of love.
(Short 100-word story version)
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete, and peppermint meltaway cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats to bake. They remind me of being a little girl in my grandmother’s kitchen, waiting for that cool peppermint smell to take over the house. These cookies are soft, buttery, and so light they practically disappear on your tongue. I love how simple they are, yet how much joy they bring to everyone who tries them. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, peppermint meltaway cookies are a festive way to create sweet memories in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Peppermint Frosting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This gives your peppermint meltaway cookies that soft, delicate texture they’re known for.
2. Add Peppermint Flavor
Mix in the peppermint extract. It should smell refreshing and cool just like the holidays.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt. Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
4. Form the Cookie Dough
Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms. It will be soft, but that’s exactly what you want.
5. Chill the Dough
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps the dough firm just enough to scoop easily.
6. Shape the Cookies
Scoop small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Lightly press the tops to flatten.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should stay pale they’re meant to be soft and tender.
8. Cool Completely
Let them cool fully before frosting. They’re delicate when warm.
9. Make the Frosting
Beat together butter, milk, peppermint extract, and powdered sugar until creamy.
10. Frost & Decorate
Gently spread frosting over each cookie and sprinkle with crushed peppermint. They look festive and taste even better.
Serving Suggestions
Peppermint meltaway cookies pair beautifully with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a warm cup of Greek mountain tea from my home island. They’re perfect for holiday dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or gifting in small tins wrapped with ribbon. You can also color the frosting light pink for a cute winter look.
Recipe Notes
- Always use softened butter it creates the meltaway texture.
- The cookies should stay pale; don’t overbake.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- These freeze perfectly for up to 2 months (frost after thawing).
Nutrition (Approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Protein: 1g
📌 Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 10–12 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermint extract
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Milk
- Crushed peppermint
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter + sugar
- Add peppermint
- Mix dry ingredients
- Form dough
- Chill
- Shape
- Bake
- Cool
- Frost
- Add peppermint sprinkles 🎄
📝 Notes
Keep cookies pale, frost after cooling, and store airtight.
🍬 Nutrition
Approx. 120 calories per cookie.
Conclusion
Peppermint meltaway cookies aren’t just a dessert they’re a holiday tradition full of comfort, sweetness, and memories. These soft, buttery, delicately flavored cookies bring people together just like the recipes I learned growing up in Crete. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gathering or simply baking to bring joy to your home, these cookies will definitely become a winter favorite. Enjoy every soft, peppermint-kissed bite and share them with someone you love.
