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Peppermint Meltaways

Name: Peppermint Meltaways
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; FROSTING:; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 2 tablespoons 2% milk; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional; 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

229 reviews

Contest Winner

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Makes

about 2-1/2 dozen

Updated: Jul. 15, 2023

This recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan

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Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
FROSTING:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Directions

In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.
Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container.

Peppermint Meltaways Tips

How do you store peppermint meltaways?

Like most other Christmas cookie recipes, you can store peppermint meltaways in an airtight container. They're at their freshest between 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze these cookies unfrosted. Here's how to store other Christmas cookies.

Can you make peppermint meltaways ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these peppermint meltaways up to 2 to 3 days ahead of time. (They're best when they're fresh, though!)

How can you adjust the thickness of the frosting for the peppermint meltaways?

If you love a richer frosting recipe, you can adjust its thickness by adding additional confectioners' sugar.

—Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 126 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.