Chocolate Mint Christmas Tree Cookies

1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1 (10 ounce) package white vanilla chips
2 tablespoons solid shortening (not butter or margarine)
1/2 cup chopped peppermint candies

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In large mixer bowl, combine confectioners' sugar and butter; beat until light and fluffy.
Add flour, cocoa and vanilla extract; mix well.
On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 3/8-inch thickness.
Cut with sharp knife into 1 1/4-inch strips. Cut each strip into 1 1/4-inch squares; cut each square diagonally into triangles.
Place 1/2 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Immediately place on wire racks to cool.
Cool baking sheets; line with parchment paper or wax paper.
In 2-cup glass measure, combine vanilla chips and shortening.
Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir.
Continue to microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each time, until mixture is melted and smooth.
To make each tree: Dip long edge of 1 cookie triangle into melted chip mixture; place on prepared baking sheet. Dip long edge of second triangle into chip mixture; place uncoated corner over coated edge of first triangle. Dip long edge of third triangle into chip mixture; place uncoated corner over coated edge of second triangle to form tree.
Repeat with remaining cookie triangles.
Drizzle remaining coating over completed trees; sprinkle chopped candy over tops.
Let stand until firm.

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