Banana Nut Sandwich Cookies

People will think you slaved all day over these and think you're a professional baker. They are so easy --- and taste soooo good.

1 7 to 8.1 ounce pkg banana nut muffin mix
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled slightly
1 to 2 tbls milk (optional)
nonstick cooking spray
1-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter or magarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup white baking pieces or semi sweet chocolate pieces
2 tsp shortening

1. For Cookies: In a large bowl, stir together muffin mix, flour and brown sugar. Add the melted and slightly cooled butter all at once. Using a fork, stir just till soft dough forms (If necessary, add enough milk to form dough.)

2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or lightly roll till 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies into whatever shape you desire. Place 2" apart on cookie sheet lightly coated with nonstick cooking spray.

3. Bake in 350 degree oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.

4. For butter cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar, the 1/2 cup softened butter and vanilla with an electric mixer until creamy. Spread a scant tbls of filling on the bottom of one cookie; put together with another cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat w/remaining cookies and filling.

5. To decorate cookies: Place white or chocolate pieces and shortening into small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until pieces are melted and smooth sitreing every 30 seconds. Cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a heavy, reusable plastic bag. Cut tip off one corner of bag. Pipe melted chocolote onto cookies in whatever pattern your little heart desires.

Makes 12 2-1/2 " sandwich cookies.