SHAMROCK SHAKE SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Steps:

• In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, mint extract, salt, and green food coloring on medium speed. Beat until smooth and well blended.
• Turn the power to low and mix in the flour just until the dough comes together.
• Lay out a 24" long or so piece of wax paper or parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with flour.
• Carefully turn the dough onto the paper, then, with floured hands, roll the dough into a log about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Roll the dough into the wax or parchment paper, then twist the ends of the paper tightly so the dough forms a round, taut log.
• Refrigerate for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until firm.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove dough from the refrigerator and cut into approximately 18 slices about 3/8" thick. If the dough gets crumbly, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes then try again.
• Lay about one inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake for 15 - 20 minutes, until the edges begin to turn brown.
• Remove from oven and let sit for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 30 seconds.
• Turn the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the powdered sugar. Once the powdered sugar is incorporated, mix on medium for about 30 seconds.
• Add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract and pinch of salt. Mix for another 30 seconds.
• Add the heavy whipping cream and beat on medium until light and white, about three minutes.
• Place the frosting in a pastry bag (or Ziploc bag - it works) fitted with a star icing tip.
• Squeeze the icing onto the cooled shortbread. I start with the outer circle and end at the top.
• Top each cookie with a half drained maraschino cherry.
• Cookies keep in an airtight container at room temperature for three or four days.