Name: Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; Crushed candy canes for garnish; 1 package cream cheese (8 oz.), softened; 1/2 cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

There’s something truly magical about Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe – it’s a festive treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The way these cookies literally melt in your mouth while carrying that cool peppermint punch makes them my absolute favorite during holiday gatherings or any time I want to bring a bit of seasonal cheer into the kitchen.

What I love most is how the cream cheese frosting adds a silky richness that perfectly balances the light, crumbly cookies. This recipe works beautifully whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to neighbors, or just sneaking a sweet little moment to yourself. Trust me, once you try making Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for festive cookie bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of these simple ingredients creates a delightful texture and flavor harmony. When shopping, be sure to pick good quality butter and fresh peppermint extract to get that bright, authentic peppermint taste.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is key here—it helps the cookies stay tender and gives the frosting a smooth finish.
Powdered Sugar: Using powdered sugar in both the cookie dough and frosting ensures a silky texture and subtle sweetness.
Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! Fresh peppermint extract adds that cool, fresh flavor you want without overpowering the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cookies, it gives structure while keeping them light.
Cornstarch: This is my secret weapon for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; it softens the cookies beautifully.
Crushed Candy Canes: For garnish and a little crunch, plus they make the cookies look so festive.
Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for creamy, tangy frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Salted Butter: Using salted butter in the frosting adds a nice contrast and deepens flavor.

Variations

I love tweaking this Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the occasion or dietary needs. It’s super forgiving and opens the door to all kinds of creative spins.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the all-purpose flour for a blend like rice flour and tapioca starch once, and it turned out delightful—just keep an eye on the texture since gluten-free dough behaves differently.
Chocolate Peppermint Twist: Sometimes I add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a subtle chocolate undertone that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
Vegan Adaptation: For friends who prefer vegan options, I’ve used vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives with excellent results—just ensure your powdered sugar is vegan, too.
Extra Crunch: Adding finely chopped pecans or almonds into the dough gives me a nice crunch that contrasts the meltaway texture.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugar Until Light and Fluffy

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed. I usually do this for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is super important because it ensures your cookies are light and tender rather than dense. Make sure your butter is truly softened—if it’s too cold, it won’t whip up properly.

Step 2: Add Peppermint Extract for That Inviting Aroma

Once your butter and sugar are whipped well, add in the peppermint extract. I start with a teaspoon but sometimes go a little lighter or stronger depending on how pepperminty I want the cookies to be. Give it a quick mix to marry those flavors.

Step 3: Gently Fold in Flour and Cornstarch

Now, sift together your all-purpose flour and cornstarch to avoid lumps, then add them gradually into the butter mixture. Use a spatula or slow mixer speed to avoid overworking the dough. When the dough just comes together, stop mixing—this keeps the cookies tender and prevents toughness.

Step 4: Chill the Dough Before Baking

I like to chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour or even overnight. This rest time not only makes the dough easier to handle but also helps the cookies hold their shape and develop better flavor. When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Meltaways

Roll the dough into small balls—about one inch in diameter—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake; these cookies are delicate and should be pale, soft, and tender.

Step 6: Make the Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and salted butter together until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and peppermint extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting feels too stiff, a splash of milk or cream can loosen it up just right.

Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Once your cookies have cooled completely (this is very important or the frosting will melt!), spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each one. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that irresistible festive crunch and beautiful look. I love how the red and white pieces add a pop of color and texture.

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows six white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. From top left to right, the first bowl holds white granulated sugar, and the second bowl contains white flour with a fluffy texture piled high. Below, the third bowl is filled with light yellow softened butter, showing creamy swirls, while the fourth bowl holds a small block of pale yellow butter. At the bottom left, the fifth bowl contains crushed peppermint candy pieces with white and red stripes, and the last bowl at bottom right is filled with white powdered sugar, softly mounded. The arrangement is neat and the colors range from white powders to pale yellow and speckled red candies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Aside from crushed candy canes, I sometimes add a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle. Fresh mint leaves can freshen up the look if you want to fancy them up for a party.

Side Dishes

I like pairing these cookies with a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate or a simple glass of cold milk. During the holidays, these cookies also complement a cheese board or fruit platter beautifully, striking a sweet balance to savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I’ve layered Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in decorative tins with parchment paper in between, then topped the box with a festive ribbon. Displaying them on a tiered dessert tray at a party adds an instant wow factor, especially with a sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. They usually last up to 5 days, but honestly, they tend to disappear much sooner in my house!

Freezing

If I’m baking in bulk, I freeze the cookies without frosting on a sheet tray first, then transfer them into freezer bags. Frosting can be made fresh when ready to serve. Cookies freeze well this way for up to 2 months, saving you prep time later.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed cookies, I let them come to room temperature and serve as is—no reheating needed. If you prefer a slight warmth, a few seconds in the microwave works, but I avoid heating too much to preserve the frosting texture and delicate cookie crumb.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?

Absolutely! While peppermint is classic here, you can swap it for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract for different flavor profiles. Just adjust the amount to taste since some extracts are stronger than others.
Why is cornstarch used in the cookie dough?

Cornstarch helps create that meltaway texture by softening the dough and making it tender. Without it, the cookies might turn out a bit denser or more crumbly.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading on your cookies.
How do I prevent the frosting from melting on the cookies?

Make sure your cookies are completely cooled before frosting them. A warm cookie will cause the frosting to soften and slide off, so patience here makes all the difference.
Can I use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes?

Definitely! Crushed peppermint candies work well and are a bit easier to manage since they’re usually smaller and less sharp than candy canes. Just crush them finely for the best texture on top.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my holiday baking lineup because it’s simple, reliable, and just downright delicious. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing these as I do. When you bake a batch, trust me, you’ll have smiles all around — so go ahead and try this recipe soon. You won’t regret adding these meltaways to your cookie rotation!