Chocolate Candy Canes

Chocolate Candy Canes
Originally uploaded by ChrissyJ.

From the (first annual?) Christmas Cookie Exchange, baked by Tonya.

INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup butter (no substitutes)
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
2 TBSP milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 oz white chocolate
2 to 4 tsp shortening
1/2 to 2/3 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

DIRECTIONS:
1. Beat 1/3 cup shortening and butter on medium speed 30 seconds. Add
sugar and baking powder, then egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat in cocoa
powder and as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in remaining
flour. Divide dough in half. Cover; chill at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Working with one portion of dough at
a time, roll to slightly less than 1/4-inch thickness on lightly
floured surface. Using a 4-inch candy-cane-shape cutter, cut dough.
Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven 7
to 9 minutes or until firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie
sheet; cool on a wire rack.
3. Heat white chocolate and 2 teaspoons shortening in a small saucepan
over low heat till melted, stirring often. (Add more shortening, if
necessary, for drizzling consistency.) Drizzle one cookie with
chocolate mixture; sprinkle with candy. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Let stand till set.

Makes about 36 cookies.