Snowflake Meltaway Cookies

In a medium bowl, whisk together the All-Purpose Flour (1 1/4 cups), Corn Starch (1/2 cup) and Salt (as needed); set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the Unsalted Butter (1 cup) and Powdered Confectioners Sugar (1/2 cup) until combined. Add the Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) and Almond Extract (as needed), blending well.

Add half of the flour mixture, blending on low speed just until combined; add remaining flour mixture and blend just until combined. Cover dough and chill for at least 2 hours (I usually refrigerate overnight).

Remove dough from the refrigerator 10 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and adjust the oven rack to middle position. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough at a time, roll into balls and space evenly about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.

Bake one pan at a time in preheated oven, until cookies are slightly puffy and edges have begun to set and the bottoms are lightly golden brown, about 11-13 minutes (mine took exactly 12 minutes).

Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool.

Now to make the buttercream. With a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) on medium speed until creamy - 2-3 minutes.

Add 2 cups of the Powdered Confectioners Sugar (2 cups), Heavy Cream (2 Tbsp), Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) and Almond Extract (as needed) and Salt (as needed). Beat on medium speed until well blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.

Add remaining Powdered Confectioners Sugar (1/2 cup) and salt; increase to high speed and beat for a full 3 to 4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.  Adjust as necessary: if the frosting is too thin, add additional powdered sugar; if it is too thick, add a tablespoon of additional heavy cream.

Decorate with holiday Sprinkles (to taste) – let the fun begin! Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container; these cookies freeze well!