Peppermint Meltaways

Earlier this week I tried making cookies. Yes, I said tried. At first, I wasn't going to even post these cookies because I was so frustrated when I looked at them in the oven. They are called Peppermint Meltaways and it seemed that about 4 or 5 of them were doing just that in the oven. Melting. I baked them on my super big airbake with parchment paper. Why some of them "melted" and why some of them didn't I am not sure. What I do know is that other than my melting issue, these really are good cookies. If you like peppermint.

These are a delicate shortbread type cookie. If you use peppermint oil - then be sure to only use a little bit. You don't need as much as the recipe calls for. If you make these and your cookies melt or don't melt I would be interested in knowing! At this point in time, I am thinking it was the cookie sheet I used. I'm serving these at our work Holiday party. We will see if they disappear....or meltaway. ;o)

Peppermint Meltaways
Lando O Lakes Holiday Cookies book (2008)

Cookie:
1 cup butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1-1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch

Glaze: (I halved the recipe for the glaze and had more than enough!)
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 Tablespoons Butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1-2 Tablespoons milk
2-3 drops red food color
Hard peppermint candy or candy canes, crushed

Combine 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour and cornstarch. Beat until well mixed. Cover; refrigerate until firm (30 to 60 minutes).

Heat oven to 350. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 1 minute (important!); remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

For Glaze: Combine 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and enough milk for desired glazing consistency in small bowl. Stir in food color. Drizzle over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy.