Peppermint Buttercream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies

These delectable Peppermint Buttercream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies are ideal for the holiday season or whenever you crave a sweet and minty treat. The buttery shortbread cookies are topped with crushed peppermint candies and filled with a creamy peppermint buttercream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red food coloring optional
• Crushed peppermint candies, for garnish

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy

Stir in the vanilla extract

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together

Fold in 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack

In a separate bowl, prepare the peppermint buttercream by beating the heavy cream until stiff peaks form

Gently fold in 2 cups of powdered sugar and peppermint extract until well combined

Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired

Spread a generous amount of peppermint buttercream onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie

Roll the edges of the cookie sandwiches in crushed peppermint candies for decoration

Repeat with the remaining cookies

Chill the cookie sandwiches in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream

Serve and enjoy your Peppermint Buttercream Shortbread Sandwich Cookies!