Iced Peppermint Melties

My mother took a risk and tried something new. The entire family agrees it was well worth breaching! Therse are buttery shortbread cookies flavored with mint, and sport a beautiful pink drizzled icing with shards of crushed peppermints for added appeal. *Prep time includes refrigeration.*

• Ready In: 1 hr 2 mins
• Yields: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• Cookies

• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• 1  cup butter, softened
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  peppermint extract
• 1 1⁄4 cups flour
• 1⁄2 cup cornstarch

• Glaze

• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 2  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 -2  tablespoon milk
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  peppermint extract
• 2 -3  drops  red food coloring (optional, but it really makes a statement)
•  crushed hard  peppermint candies or   candy cane, for garnish

Directions

1. Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and mint extract in a large bowl until light and fluffy using an electric mixer at medium speed.
2. Reduce speed to low; blend in the flour and cornstarch until well mixed. Cover; chill until firm (30-60) minutes.
3. Heat oven to 350*F. Shape dough into 1" balls; place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Bake 12-15 minytes, or until edges are lightly browned.
5. Let stand on sheets 1 minute; transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.
6. Meanwhile, make the glaze: Combine the powdered sugar, butter, mint extract, and enough milk in a small bowl to achieve desired glazing consistency.
7. Stir in the food coloring, if using.
8. Drizzle in lines or swirls over the cooled cookies; immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermints.