If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both delightfully tender and packed with bright peppermint flavor, you’ll absolutely love this Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies practically melt in your mouth, and the cream cheese frosting adds that perfect tangy sweetness that makes them feel extra special. I find they’re particularly perfect for the holidays, but honestly, any chilly evening deserves this kind of comforting, festive treat.

What makes this Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so worth trying is the balance between the soft, buttery cookie and that luscious frosting with a hint of peppermint. Each bite is a little moment of joy—plus, they’re surprisingly easy to put together even if you don’t consider yourself a cookie pro. I’ve made these with friends and family, and everyone always asks for seconds, so I’m confident you’ll enjoy baking (and eating) them as much as I do!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in making these meltaway cookies irresistibly soft and flavorful. I always recommend using good-quality butter and fresh peppermint extract for the best aroma and taste. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.

Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing and to keep the flavor pure, giving the cookie that tender texture.
Powdered sugar: Blended smoothly into the dough and frosting, adding sweetness without graininess.
Peppermint extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their refreshing, holiday vibe—use pure peppermint extract for best results.
All-purpose flour: The base for your cookies, providing structure without heaviness.
Cornstarch: This sneaky addition helps create that melt-in-your-mouth softness everyone craves in meltaways.
Crushed candy canes: For garnish, adding a festive crunch and extra peppermint punch.
Cream cheese (8 oz.): Softened for the frosting, bringing a tangy creaminess that makes the topping irresistible.
Salted butter: Softened for frosting, balancing the cream cheese with savory richness.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Gives the frosting that smooth, glossy finish and sweetness.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love experimenting with subtle tweaks to add new dimensions of flavor or fit dietary needs, and you’ll have a blast customizing it too.

Chocolate Peppermint: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a rich twist—my family loves this variation during Christmas!
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free; the cookies stay wonderfully soft.
Reduced Sugar: You can use a sugar substitute in the dough and frosting if you’re watching sugar intake—just be sure to adjust sweetness to taste.
Fresh Mint Leaves: For a fresh, herbal note, finely chop some fresh mint and add it to the frosting; it’s surprisingly refreshing.

How to Make Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Getting the right texture here sets you up for tender cookies—if the butter’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly, so softening it really helps.

Step 2: Add Peppermint and Dry Ingredients

Stir in the peppermint extract for that signature flavor. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully until a soft, smooth dough forms. Don’t overmix here—you want the cookies tender, not tough!

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Shape the dough into small balls—about one tablespoon each—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For the best meltaway texture, chill the dough balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking. Trust me, this step makes a noticeable difference in the cookie’s delicate crumb.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes. Look for just a slight golden edge—the centers will still look soft and pale, which is exactly what you want. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before moving on to frosting; warm cookies will melt the frosting and make a mess.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and salted butter until super creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, and then stir in peppermint extract. The frosting should be smooth, fluffy, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. If it seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk to reach pouring consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Once the cookies are fully cool, generously spread or pipe the peppermint cream cheese frosting on top. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for that festive crunch and extra peppermint kick. I find this step makes the cookies feel party-ready and irresistibly festive!

How to Serve Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

There are five small white bowls on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. The top left bowl contains white granulated sugar with a smooth texture. To its right, another bowl is filled with a light, powdery white flour, piled high with a slightly rough surface. Below the sugar, there is a bowl with a thick, creamy off-white butter, showing soft, uneven peaks. Next to the butter, a bowl holds a small, neat square of pale yellow butter or margarine with smooth edges. Finally, the bottom left bowl is filled with crushed red and white striped peppermint candies, showing irregular shard shapes and rough texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I swear by freshly crushed candy canes as the perfect garnish—you get a lovely pop of color and texture that complements the soft cookie and creamy frosting beautifully. Sometimes, I also add a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra snowy effect that’s simply adorable!

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a peppermint mocha to double down on the holiday vibe. For a brunch or dessert spread, pairing them with fruit salad or a light mint tea balances out the richness without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange these Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs and mini cinnamon sticks. Another fun way is serving them stacked with alternating layers of frosting and crushed candy canes for a towering effect that guests love snapping photos of!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover frosting cookies in an airtight container in the fridge, layering them between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking. They keep beautifully fresh for up to 4 days, though they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these cookies freeze well. I frost them first, then wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours—it’s a lifesaver when holiday guests appear unexpectedly.

Reheating

I typically don’t recommend reheating these cookies because the cream cheese frosting doesn’t react well to heat—it can get oily or separate. Instead, I let frozen or refrigerated cookies come back to room temperature naturally to enjoy that perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Peppermint Meltaways Cookies without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang, these cookies are tender and flavorful enough to enjoy on their own or simply dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter option.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and always chill the shaped dough balls before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape and stay meltaway-soft without flattening too much.
Can I substitute peppermint extract with another flavor?

You can! Vanilla or almond extract work nicely for a different but still delicious twist. Just keep in mind the cookie won’t have that classic peppermint coolness.
What type of cream cheese is best for the frosting?

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Low-fat options can alter the consistency and taste of the frosting.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This actually helps deepen the flavors and maintain that meltaway texture perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Meltaways Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its simply magical texture and festive flavor. Sharing these cookies with friends and family has become a sweet tradition that I look forward to every season. I can’t recommend trying them enough—baking them is just as fun as eating them, and they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your day.