PEPPERMINT MELTAWAYS

I decided to try my hand at adding a new Christmas cookie to my annual assortment.  I realized just about every cookie I make has chocolate in it.  So when I ran across this recipe and every review was positive,  I decided this could be a keeper.  And sure enough....it is!

These babies melt in your mouth, a true tribute to their namesake....and a cookie with cream cheese frosting, really?  How can you go wrong?

The house smells so wonderful while these are baking, the smell of peppermint fills the air....put on some holiday music and you're instantly in the Christmas spirit!

INGREDIENTS:

*Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. peppermint extract

1 ¼ cup flour

½ cup cornstarch

*Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese

½ cup salted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. peppermint extract

Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

*The ingredients for the cookie dough makes about 24-26 cookies, however the frosting makes enough for a double batch of cookies.  I would say, you're going to love these so much, you'll want a double batch!

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, combine flour and cornstarch; set aside. In another bowl cream the butter and powdered sugar.  Add peppermint extract.  Slowly add the flour and cornstarch mixture to the creamed butter and sugar.   Combine well and refrigerate for an hour.

After the dough has chilled, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll the dough into 1-1 ½ inch sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes in the oven until the edges start to lightly turn brown.  Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

To make the peppermint cream cheese frosting, cream together cream cheese and butter.  Add peppermint extract and slowly add the powdered sugar.  Frost the cookies and garnish with crushed peppermint candy canes, or Wilton has already crushed peppermint sprinkles!  

This was my first attempt using a pastry bag.....I felt like I'd watched enough cooking shows that I might be able to add a dollop to the top of each of these cookies.  Success!!! 

Who knows, if I'm feeling brave soon, I may have to try frosting some cupcakes next.  

Enjoy!

Recipe c/o Taste of Home