3/4 c Granulated sugar
1/2 c Butter or margarine —
Softened
1/2 c Shortening
1 ts Vanilla extract
1 Egg
2 1/4 c All-purpose flour — or
Unbleached
1/4 c Unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 ts Baking powder
72 Miniature chocolate chips
36 Red or black licorice
Strips
Cut into 2-inch pieces
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, margarine
and shortening until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg;
blend well. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in the
flour, cocoa and baking powder; mix well. Shape the dough into 1-inch
balls. To form a mouse, pinch one end of the ball to form the nose. For
the ears, make 2 tiny balls of dough and flatten slightly; gently press
into the dough on the upper front of each mouse body. For the eyes, press 2
miniature chocolate chips into the dough below the ears. Place the shaped
cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 13
minutes, or until set. For the tails, immediately place a piece of
licorice into the rounded end of each cookie. Remove from the cookie
sheets.
Variation. Chocolaty Shortbread Cookies: Prepare the dough as directed
above. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on
ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in sugar.
Bake for 8 to 13 minutes, or until set. Cool for 1 minute; remove from the
cookie sheets.
Yields
36 Servings