I hadn’t made these classic cookies for more than….well….let’s just say “too many” years. 😉 I feel old enough lately, and I’d rather not even think about it. 😉

I love the way these cookies, literally, melt in your mouth do to using part cornstarch instead of flour. Hence how they got their name, “Melting Moments”!

But instead of just making one of the classic recipes, I like to play a little bit with different flavors.

For the holiday season, I decided to go with one of my favorite flavors this time of year – – peppermint!

I used peppermint extract, but you could also use a peppermint oil if you prefer, adjusting the amount according to the strength of the oil. Be careful not to add too much. Just start with a little and taste the dough. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back out. 😉

I also like to tint the dough festive colors while I’m at it, too! And though I do enjoy the dark and bright reds, burgundies and pine greens of Christmastime, I also very much enjoy making a pretty pastel goodie tray as well.

So I decided to go pastel this year, and thought that these classic cookies turned out so very pretty!

There is always elegance in simplicity, I say. 😉

If you, too, haven’t made these wonderful childhood favorites in awhile, it’s time to fix that! Though the Christmas season is all packed up for this year, there is always another special time to make these! The beautiful pink color would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! Or tint the dough a pale green and serve them for St. Paddy’s Day!

Later on in the year, I’ll share a few more versions that I make that I think you’ll love just as much as the original!

But I do hope that you give this version a try soon! They’re very easy to make, use very few ingredients, are light as a feather and truly do melt right in your mouth! And you can even fit all of the cookies onto one single baking sheet as they’re nice and petite. Cleanup is a breeze to boot, because your baking sheet stays clean when lined with parchment paper!

What’s not to love?

Hope you had a wonderful holiday!

Yield: 2 1/2 - 3 dozen

Pink Peppermint Melting Moments

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, room temp.
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 tsp. peppermint extract
10 drops red food coloring
(approx.) 1/2 cup more powdered sugar for dusting tops

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch and salt.

In mixer bowl (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes). Beat in vanilla and peppermint extracts.

Add the flour mixture and beat just until incorporated. Divide dough in half, and roll each piece into a 1" diameter log. Wrap each tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate logs for an hour or two, or until firm.

Preheat oven to 350º F and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

When batter is firm, remove and unwrap. Slice logs into 1" pieces and place onto prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. (*Some people also prefer to shape these into little crescents or roll into balls).

Bake in fully preheated oven for about 12 - 14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies just start to brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 3-5 minutes.

Put powdered sugar in a fine strainer or sieve and sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the sugar.

Store in airtight container between sheets of wax paper. (Will keep a couple of weeks).

Just before serving, re-sprinkle the tops of the cookies with more powdered sugar if needed.