Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Peppermint Frosting

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE COOKIES

5 cups

flour

2 tsp

baking powder

2 tsp

salt

1 1/2 cups

butter, softened

2 cups

sugar

eggs

2 tsp

vanilla

2 tsp

peppermint extract

1/4

to ½ cup crushed candy canes, optional

FOR THE FROSTING

1 cup

or 226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 lb

(about 4 cups or 500 grams) confectioners' sugar

1/4 tsp

salt

to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml) heavy cream

2 tsp

vanilla extract

to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) peppermint extract, to taste (I prefer about 1½ teaspoons)

Food coloring (optional)

Crushed candy canes for garnish, optional