In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Stir them together and set this mixture aside. This combination creates the perfect texture for the cookies. The cornstarch helps achieve that signature meltaway quality.
In another small mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and blend until light and fluffy. This will take about two to three minutes. The mixture should look pale and creamy.
Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir well to incorporate the minty flavor, which is the essence of the Peppermint Meltaways.
Gradually add the flour and cornstarch mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can alter the texture of the cookies.
Once the dough comes together, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step as it ensures even baking.
Once preheated, roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1-1/2 inches in size. Place them two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging into each other.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to lightly turn brown. Keep an eye on them as they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly and makes frosting them easier.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 package cream cheese and 1/2 cup salted butter. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and gradually mix in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar. Continue to whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cookies are cool, frost each cookie generously with the peppermint cream cheese frosting.
Finally, garnish the frosted cookies with crushed candy canes. This adds a festive flair and extra crunch that elevates the Peppermint Meltaways.
