Pretty Cookies!

The kids and I made these cookies last night. They are gorgeous and sooooo good! Buttery, flaky, perfect shortbread! The peppermint flavor is a little mild, which is perfect for my kids, but if I were making them just for me, i might use peppermint extract in place of the vanilla. Recipe follows.

Peppermint Candy Shortbread Cookies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Yield: 3 -1/2 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, softened (no substitutions)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/4 cup Corn Starch

FROSTING (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy

Preheat oven to 300ºF.
Mix butter, sugar, crushed candy and vanilla thoroughly using an electric mixer. Gradually blend in flour and corn starch.
Form into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Gently press down on each cookie to flatten using fingers or a flat bottomed drinking glass (dipped in sugar to prevent sticking).
Bake at 300ºF for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bottoms begin to brown. Cool for 5 minutes; remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla and mix until frosting is smooth. Drizzle cookies with frosting and sprinkle with crushed candy.