PEPPERMINT COOKIE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
• Combine 3/4 cup sugar, butter, egg, vanilla and peppermint extract in bowl; beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; beat at low speed until well mixed. Stir 1/4 cup crushed candy into dough.
• Stir remaining 1/4 cup crushed candy into 1/4 cup sugar.
• Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls; roll in sugar mixture. Place, 2 inches apart, onto prepared cookie sheets.
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not overbake. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely.

Steps:

• Combine 1 cup butter, sugar and egg in bowl. Beat at medium speed, until creamy. Add milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla and peppermint extract. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Add flour, baking powder and peppermint candies; beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
• Divide dough into thirds. Shape each third into a ball; flatten to 1/2 inch. Wrap each in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate 2-3 hours or until firm.
• Heat oven to 400°F.
• Roll out dough on lightly floured surface, one-third at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8 to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 6-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.
• Combine powdered sugar, water, 1 tablespoon butter, corn syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in bowl; mix until powdered sugar is moistened. Beat at medium speed until smooth, adding additional water if necessary, to reach desired glazing consistency. Tint with food color, if desired.
• Glaze cooled cookies. Add decorator candies, if desired. Let stand 6 hours or overnight until hardened.