Introduction to Peppermint Meltaways
Peppermint meltaways are soft, creamy candies with a cool peppermint finish and a delicate texture that dissolves on the tongue. They require no oven, and the mixture comes together in one bowl after the butter has softened.
This recipe is part of the Holiday Treat Gift Box collection. Shape the mixture into small, tidy pieces, roll them in crushed peppermint, and chill them until firm. They are simple enough for a holiday afternoon and special enough to share in a wrapped gift box.
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Meltaways
- These meltaways require no baking, so they keep the oven free for other holiday recipes.
- The mixture uses a short list of familiar ingredients and comes together with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon.
- Peppermint extract and crushed peppermint give the candies a clear mint flavor without making the recipe complicated.
- The small pieces are easy to arrange in mini paper liners or a lined gift box.
- You can make them ahead and keep them chilled until you are ready to serve or package them.
Ingredients for Peppermint Meltaways
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- crushed peppermint
Use softened butter rather than melted butter so the mixture stays thick enough to shape. Set out 1/2 cup butter until it is soft but still cool to the touch. The remaining ingredients are 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp heavy cream, and crushed peppermint.
How to Make Peppermint Meltaways
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Place the butter in a medium mixing bowl and let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It should yield when pressed, but it should not look shiny, melted, or greasy. If the butter is too warm, the finished mixture may be difficult to roll.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Beat the softened butter with the sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract until smooth and evenly blended. A hand mixer on low to medium speed works well, though a sturdy wooden spoon can also be used. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so no pockets of butter remain.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the cornstarch and powdered sugar in several additions, mixing on low after each one. When the mixture becomes thick, add the heavy cream and continue mixing just until a soft, smooth dough forms. Do not add extra liquid unless the mixture is unusually dry, because the dough needs to firm up as it chills.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 45 to 60 minutes. Chilling makes the butter firm and gives the cornstarch and powdered sugar time to absorb moisture. The dough should be firm enough to scoop and roll without sticking heavily to your hands.
Step 5: Shape the Meltaways
Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Scoop out small portions, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Arrange the pieces on the lined surface with a little space between them. This recipe makes about 24 small meltaways, depending on the portion size.
Step 6: Coat and Store
Roll each piece in crushed peppermint, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Refrigerate the finished meltaways for at least 1 hour, or until firm. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep them chilled until serving or placing them in a gift box.
Tips for Success
- Crush the peppermint into small pieces rather than a fine powder so the coating gives each meltaway a little texture.
- If the dough feels soft after chilling, return it to the refrigerator for another 15 to 20 minutes before shaping.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture evenly and make the finished gift box look neat.
- Keep the peppermint pieces in a shallow bowl so each meltaway can be rolled evenly without being pressed too firmly.
- Because this recipe contains butter, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream, refrigerate the candies within 2 hours of making them and do not leave them at room temperature for extended periods.
Equipment Needed
- medium mixing bowl
- hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon
- parchment-lined baking sheet
Variations
- For a lighter coating, roll the chilled pieces in a thin layer of crushed peppermint instead of covering the entire surface.
- For a stronger mint finish, use a little more crushed peppermint on the outside while keeping the peppermint extract amount unchanged.
- Make smaller one-bite pieces for a mixed holiday candy box, and begin checking their firmness after 30 minutes of chilling.
- Shape the mixture into short logs, chill them until firm, and cut them into small rounds before coating them.
- For easy gifting, place each finished meltaway in a small paper candy liner before arranging the candies in a lined container.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meltaways cold or slightly cool, when their texture is firm but creamy. For gifting, arrange them in a single layer when possible, or separate layers with parchment paper so the crushed peppermint coating stays in place. Keep the gift box refrigerated during storage and transport, and let the recipient know that the candies should remain chilled.
FAQs about Peppermint Meltaways
Can I make peppermint meltaways ahead of time? Yes. Make them up to 5 days ahead and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment between layers if they must be stacked.
Why is my mixture too soft to roll? The butter may have been too warm, or the mixture may need more chilling time. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for another 15 to 30 minutes before shaping.
Can I freeze peppermint meltaways? Yes. Freeze the shaped, coated meltaways in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight freezer container. Thaw them in the refrigerator so condensation does not soften the coating too quickly.
How long can they sit out? For food safety, do not leave these dairy-based candies at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep them chilled, especially when packaging them for a gathering or gift.
How do I keep the crushed peppermint from getting sticky? Store the finished candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and keep moisture away from the coating. Avoid storing them beside warm foods or in a humid room.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint meltaways are a practical addition to a holiday treat box because they look festive without requiring a long baking session. Make the dough ahead, chill it well, and keep the finished candies cold so their soft texture and peppermint coating stay at their best.
Looking for more? This recipe is part of our roundup of 4 Holiday Treat Gift Box Recipes Made for Easy Gifting.
Peppermint Meltaways
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat softened butter with sweetened condensed milk and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Mix in cornstarch and powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and chill the dough for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Roll the chilled mixture into small balls, coat with crushed peppermint, and refrigerate until firm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make about 24 small meltaways, depending on portion size.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Do not leave the dairy-based candies at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
