CREAM CHEESE-STUFFED PEPPERMINT SUGAR COOKIES
Makes about 14
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 large egg, room temperature and beaten
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup crushed soft peppermint candies,* divided
1. In a large bowl, beat butter and ¾ cup sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Gradually add egg, beating until well combined and stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Beat in extract.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, and beat at low speed just until combined, 1 to 2
