Peppermint Meltaways

This is another one of the treats I made when my neighbors and I had a baking day recently.  This cookie is totally delicious and perfect for the holidays.  Its the kind of cookie that sort of just melts when you bite it (hence the name).  It's not chewy or cakey but it's not hard either, I'm just going to call it tender.  The peppermint extract is subtle but flavorful. The frosting on top is really good too.  I love the crushed candies on top because you get all the different textures in one bite. Smooth frosting with the peppermint background and the sweet crunch of those candies is just perfect. 

Santa would love these on Christmas Eve.  Just sayin. 
Peppermint Meltaways

Recipe from Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch

Frosting

• 2 Tbsp butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tbsp milk
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 2-3 drops red food coloring (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350º
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the butter and confectioners sugar.
3. Add the extract and combine. 
4. In a small bowl, sift the flour and cornstarch together. 
5. Add the flour mixture in with the other wet ingredients and mix together. 
6. Place dough in a one inch ball and put on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  The cookies will remain pale.  Only the bottoms will get slightly golden. Remove to wire racks to cool. 
7. To prepare frosting, add the softened butter to the mixing bowl and cream it together with the confectioners sugar.  Add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. 
8. Place a dollop of frosting on each cookie and top with a sprinkling of crushed peppermints.