
Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients:
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1 (12 ounce) package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided
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2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 cup molasses
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1/4 cup water
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1 (16 ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting, colored as desired
Directions:
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MICROWAVE 1 1/2 cups morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100 percent) power for 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth; cool to room temperature.
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COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon in medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in small mixer bowl until creamy; beat in molasses and melted chocolate. Gradually add flour mixture alternately with water, beating until smooth. Cover; refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
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PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F.
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ROLL half of dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface with floured rolling pin. Cut dough into gingerbread boy and girl shapes using cookie cutters or a stencil. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
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BAKE for 5 to 6 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly soft. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
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PLACE remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100 percent) power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead. Microwave for 10 seconds; knead until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to pipe chocolate. Decorate with piped frosting or icing.