Chocolate Mint Christmas Trees

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1 (10 ounce) package white vanilla chips
2 tablespoons solid shortening (not butter or margarine)
1/2 cup chopped peppermint candies

In large mixer bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and butter; beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, cocoa and vanilla extract; mix well.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 3/8-inch thickness. Cut with sharp knife into 1 1/4-inch strips. Cut each strip into 1 1/4-inch squares; cut each square diagonally into triangles. Place 1/2 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 13 minutes or until firm to the touch. Immediately place on wire racks to cool.

Cool baking sheets; line with parchment paper or wax paper.

In 2-cup glass measure, combine vanilla chips and shortening. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute; stir. Continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each time, until mixture is melted and smooth.

To make each tree: Dip long edge of 1 cookie triangle into melted chip mixture; place on prepared baking sheet. Dip long edge of second triangle into chip mixture; place uncoated corner over coated edge of first triangle. Dip long edge of third triangle into chip mixture; place uncoated corner over coated edge of second triangle to form tree. Repeat with remaining cookie triangles. Drizzle remaining coating over completed trees; sprinkle chopped candy over tops. Let stand until firm.