Cut-Out Chocolate Cookies

From HERSHEY’S

Makes 36 cookies

Cut-Out Chocolate Cookies are simple to make but create a world of fun when you create and decorate your favorite shapes.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick), softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

SATINY CHOCOLATE GLAZE

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 tablespoons HERSHEY’S Cocoa

2 tablespoons water

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

VANILLA GLAZE

3 tablespoons butter or margarine

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 3 tablespoons milk

2 to 4 drops food color (optional)

COOKIE DIRECTIONS

1. Beat butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla in large bowl until blended. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Cover; refrigerate dough about 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
2. Heat oven to 325 degrees. On lightly floured board or between 2 pieces of wax paper, roll small portion of dough at a time to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters; place on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with Satiny Chocolate Glaze or Vanilla Glaze. Garnish as desired.

SATINY CHOCOLATE GLAZE DIRECTIONS

Makes about 1/2 cup glaze

Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat; add cocoa and water, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Do not boil. Remove from heat; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating with whisk until smooth. Add additional water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until glaze is of desired consistency.

VANILLA GLAZE DIRECTIONS

Makes about 3/4 cup glaze

Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla. Gradually add milk; beat with whisk until smooth. Stir in food color, if desired.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at hersheyland.com