These sweet cookies are sure to please your taste buds with their delicate flavors and festive appearance.

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the peppermint icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Pink food coloring (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candy, for garnish (optional)
  

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Depending on what shape of cookie you want, you have two options. If you want simple, round cookie shapes, roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Alternatively, if you want pig-shaped cookies: Roll the cookie dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut cookie shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the peppermint icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired, and mix until the desired color is achieved.
8. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the pink peppermint icing on top of each cookie. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy on top for added decoration, if desired.

Allow the icing to set before serving.