Banana-Nut Sandwich Cookies

I got this recipe from the October 2004 edition of Midwest Living. The picture of these cookies look absolutely delicious! They had used a football shaped cookie cutter for football season (apparently, it can be found at www.tailgatestotouchdowns.com) but you can use whatever pattern you'd like!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package  banana muffin, mix (use between a 7 and 8.1 ounce banana-nut muffin mix package)
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup  packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 -2  tablespoon milk (optional)
•  nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1⁄2 cups  sifted powdered sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1⁄2 cup white chocolate chips or 1⁄2 cup  semisweet chocolate piece
• 2  teaspoons shortening

Directions

1. For cookies: In a large bowl, stir together muffin mix, flour and brown sugar.
2. Add the melted and slightly cooled butter all at once.
3. Using a fork, stir just till a soft dough forms (if necessary, add enough milk to form dough).
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Pat or lightly roll till 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut out cookies using a cookie cutter.
7. Place two inches apart of cookie sheets, lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 9 to 10 minutes or till cookies begin to brown.
9. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool.
10. For butter cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat powdered sugar, the 1/2 cup softened butter and vanilla with an electric mixer till creamy.
11. Spread a scant tablespoon of filling on the bottom of 1 cookie, put together with another cookie, bottom sides together, to make a cookie sandwich.
12. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
13. Place white or chocolate pieces and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% power (medium) for 1 to 2 minutes or till pieces are melted and smooth.
14. Cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
15. Transfer to a heavy resealable plastic bag.
16. Cut off tip of one corner of bag.
17. Pipe melted chocolate onto cookies to resemble laces on footballs, or whatever design you'd like based on what shape you made the cookies.
18. Makes 12 (2 1/2 inch) sandwich cookies.