Name: Chocolate Gingerbread Boys and Girls
Prep time: 45 s
Cook time: 7 s
Total time: 112 s
Yield: 30
Ingredients: 2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morselsdivided; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flourplus extra for dusting; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons butter or margarinesoftened; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 cup molasses; 1/4 cup water; 1 container (16 ounces) prepared vanilla frostingcolored as desiredor colored icing in tubes

Make It

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.