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Creamy Peppermint Meltaways

creamy peppermint meltaways - featured image
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These festive holiday cookies are soft, creamy, and bursting with cool peppermint flavor. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, cookie swaps, or edible gifts, they deliver nostalgic comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoons additional crushed peppermint candies (for decorating)

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  3. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to blend evenly.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and all-purpose flour. (Optional: sift for extra-light cookies.)
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, beating on low speed. Add crushed peppermint candies. Dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll gently into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are barely golden and tops look dry. Do not overbake.
  8. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract for the glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
  10. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or dip tops in glaze. Immediately sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint candies. Let dry for at least 30 minutes before stacking or serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk. Refrigerate dough for 10 minutes if too soft. Sift powdered sugar for a smoother glaze. Crush peppermint candies in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for best texture. Cookies are fragile when warm; handle gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, meltaways, Christmas cookies, easy dessert, festive baking, edible gifts, cookie exchange

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-peppermint-meltaways-recipe-easy-festive-holiday-cookies/