Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 

1 tablespoon baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon fine salt 

2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 

2 cups granulated sugar 

1/4-1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 

1 large egg 

1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips 

1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted 

3-5 tablespoons heavy cream 

12 round peppermint candies, crushed, for decorating 

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract on medium-high until pale and fluffy, 3 minutes. Beat in egg, then flour mixture on low. Stir in chocolate chips.

Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place, 2 inches apart, on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until edges are lightly golden, about 12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to racks and let cool completely.

Stir together confectioners’ sugar and enough cream to make a spreadable glaze (if you like a strong mint flavor, stir in up to 1/4 teaspoon extract). Spread a thin layer of glaze on top of each cookie and sprinkle with candies. Let dry completely on racks.