Peppermint Meltaways

I discovered these simple candy cane cookies on the Taste of Home web-site.  They are simple, pretty and melt in your mouth.  Instead of spreading the icing I swirled it on top of each to add to their festive charm.  I left my frosting white in color but you can add food coloring to it to brighten the tops up a bit more if desired.

Peppermint Meltaways
By:  Taste of Home


Cookie 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 Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies 

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. In a small bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in milk, extract and, if desired, food coloring. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over cookies; sprinkle with crushed candies. Store in an airtight container.