Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12 ounce) package Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup molasses

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1 (16 ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting, colored as desired

 

Directions:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.