Chocolate Gingerbread Boys And Girls

Total Time: 52 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 7 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 30
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 cups
• 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 3 tablespoons margarine, softened
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 (16 ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting, colored as desired

Recipe

• 1 microwave 1 1/2 cups morsels in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on high (100%) power for 1 minute; stir. the morsels may retain some of their original shape. if necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. 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°f.
• 4 roll half of dough to ¼-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%) power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead. microwave for 10 seconds; knead until smooth. cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to pipe chocolate. decorate cookies with piped chocolate and prepared frosting or icing.