Peppermint Snowballs

• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candy or candy canes
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• 1 drop red food coloring

• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 6 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candy or candy canes

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; add vanilla. Stir in flour; knead until well mixed. Reserve 1/2 cup of dough; shape remaining dough into 1-inch balls.

For filling, combine cream cheese and milk in a small bowl. Stir in sugar, candy and food coloring; mix well. Make a deep well in the center of each ball; fill with 1/4 teaspoon filling. Use reserved dough to cover filling. Reshape if necessary into smooth balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 12-14 minutes.

Combine topping ingredients; roll cookies in mixture while still warm. Cool on wire racks. Yield: 4 dozen

By Chell