Peppermint Meltaways

When Ginny arrived for her visit, one of the very first things we did was make these cookies. She made the dough ahead of time and brought it with her, and let me just tell you what....these little babies are just damn tasty. When they say "meltaways", they really mean it. Pop one in your mouth and it disappears into a pool of tasty, minty goodness. We scheduled the visit to make candy for our annual candy trays that we give to friends and businesses we work with throughout the year....but nobody got these cookies. We were greedy fools and kept them all for ourselves. You should, too. Seriously.

Peppermint Meltaways

(from Taste of Home)

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
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (we used peppermint sugar instead of candy canes)

Directions:
In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Combine flour and cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Shape into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.In a small bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, milk, extract and food coloring if desired; beat until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.