Independence Day Meltaways

What You Need: 

1 C + 2 T butter, room temperature and divided 

2 C confectioners’ sugar, divided 

1/2 t + 1/4 t of peppermint extract, divided 

1 1/4 C of flour 

1/2 C of cornstarch 

2 T of milk 

3 drops of blue food coloring 

1/2 C crushed peppermint candies 

How to Make It: 

Preset the oven temperature to 350 degrees. 

Cream 1 C of butter and 1/2 C of confectioners' sugar together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. 

Add 1/2 t of the extract and beat until blended in well. 

Place the flour into a separate mixing bowl. 

Add the cornstarch and stir to combine well. 

Gradually mix the cream mixture into the flour mixture until well combined. 

Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. 

Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly browned. 

Allow the cookies to cool 2 minutes then move  to wire racks to cool completely. 

Place the remaining butter into a small mixing bowl and beat on low until fluffy. 

Add the milk, remaining sugar and remaining extract to the butter. 

Place the 3 drops of blue food coloring into the bowl and beat the mixture until smooth. 

Frost the cooled cookies with the mixture. 

Sprinkle the peppermint candies over the top of each cookie. 

Makes 3 dozen cookies 

Preparation Time:  approximately 30 minutes 

Baking Time:  approximately 10 minutes per batch 

Total Time:  approximately 1 hour 

These cookies just melt in your mouth.  Add as much food coloring as you like to reach your desired color of blue.  To crush the peppermint candies easily place them in a heavy sealable plastic bag and use the handle of a butter knife.  Pour the crushed candy into a fine mesh strainer and shake it over wax paper to remove any candy dust.  Snip one corner of the bag and shake the candy out onto the top of each cookie.