A Taste of Christmas in the Summer

I know it's not Christmas but I had a craving for this peppermint goodness so I made the cookies anyway. I've always loved the refreshing smell and taste of the mints. And I always wanted a cookie that embodied it. These peppermint snowballs do just that. Who cares that they have the classic red and white of Christmas. I'll eat them whenever I want!

Peppermint Snowballs

Makes 5 dozen

Ingredients
3 cups powdered sugar - DIVIDED
1 cup butter or margarine (softened)
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely crushed peppermint candy - DIVIDED
as needed granulated sugar
2-3 tablespoons skim milk
1 teaspoon baking powder

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixer bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, butter or margarine, peppermint extract, vanilla and egg. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often until creamy (2-3 minutes). Reduce speed to low. Add flour, baking powder and salt; Beat, scraping bowl often until well blended (1-2 minutes). By hand, stir in 1/2 cup candy.

2. Shape dough into 3/4 inch balls; roll in granulated sugar. Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool completely.

3. GLAZE: In small mixer bowl combine 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and enough milk for desired glazing consistency. Drizzle cooled cookies with glaze. Immediately sprinkle with the remaining peppermint candy.