Peppermint Snowballs

Yield: about 5 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups crushed peppermint candies (about 45 round candies)
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a food processor finely grind peppermint candies and 1/3 cup sugar to a powdery consistency; transfer to a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and remaining 1 cup sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and extracts; beat until smooth.
5. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture; stir until a soft dough forms.
7. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll balls in candy mixture. For best results, place 6 cookies at a time on an ungreased baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8 minutes.
9. Immediately roll hot cookies in candy mixture. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Repeat with remaining dough.
11. Store in an airtight container.