CHOCOLATE DIPPED SUGAR COOKIE RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar and vanilla with spoon. Stir in flour. (If dough is crumbly, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened.)
• Roll dough 1/2 inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into small shapes by hand or use cookie cutters. Place 1/2 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until set and bottoms are light golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted; stir until smooth. Dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper until chocolate is set.

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
• Add dry ingredients and mix to combine into a firm cookie dough.
• Roll out the chocolate cookie dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Trim into a rectangle, but otherwise, DO NOT CUT INTO SHAPES.
• Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.
• After baked, but while still hot and fresh from the oven, cut into square shapes.
• Let cool, then dip in melted chocolate. Sprinkle crushed candy cane, sprinkles, or chopped nuts on the wet chocolate, if desired.