EDIBLE // PEPPERMINT SWIRL COOKIES

Tomorrow I'm hosting my first ever cookie exchange, something I've wanted to do for, like - ever! I'm no Martha Stewart but I do like to think I can bake up a pretty sweet confection, in every sense of the words. I decided on peppermint for my contribution, since the smell and sight make me instantly think Christmas. The gems I'm going to share with you are knock-your-socks-off pepperminty. My husband says they're good smoochin' cookies, after eating one your breath is freshy fresh.

 

Fingers crossed that the fiesta is a hit tomorrow. Today I seem to be out of steam for everything, so I hope it goes off without a hitch. I planned for one hour so guests can "stop and swap" or mingle for a short bit. I'm serving two small appetizers, tons of cookies, and hot tea and coffee. I hope it will become an annual tradition that grows and grows! This year I'm expecting about 6 other ladies - that should be plenty for me to handle gracefully. Any more than that and I might just answer the door wearing no pants and diaper residue. Then again I might do that anyway.

 

Without further ado here is the recipe I'll be sharing, enjoy friends, can you taste them yet?

 

Peppermint Swirl Cookies

 

Ingredients:

1 C. butter, melted
1/2 C. powdered sugar
1/2 t. peppermint extract
1 & 1/4 C. flour
1/2 C. corn starch
*no, this recipe does not use any eggs

Frosting
1 oz cream cheese
1 1/2 C. powdered sugar
2 t. whole milk
1/4 t. peppermint extract
crushed peppermint candies or canes

 

To Do:

Cream Butter and powdered sugar together. Beat in extract. Combine flour and corn starch and gradually add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Using a small cookie scoop I used a 1/2 T. measuring spoon which worked great! place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

 

For Frosting:

Beat cream cheese until it's fluffy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candies. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

I frosted using a decorator's bag and Wilton cake tip for extra pizazz!

 

  Merry early Christmas!