Cream Cheese Peppermint Candies

Here is the recipe my mother used to make the pink cream cheese peppermint candies:

3 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup all-vegetable shortening
1/2 tsp peppermint oil
4 cups confectioners' sugar
a few drops of food coloring, if desired

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Ina  medium bowl, beat cream cheese, shortening, and peppermint oil with a mixer until smooth. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until well combined. Dough will be soft and elastic.

Roll dough into small balls, and place each ball on prepared baking sheet. Press fork into each ball to flatten. Cover baking sheet with plastic wrap, and chill mints overnight.

Optional: Crush peppermint candies and/or candy canes. Before flattening the balls with a fork, sprinkle the ball with the peppermint pieces. Then flatten with a fork, pressing the pieces into the candy for an added mint touch!