Ingredients
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9 to 10 REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups Minis
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Assorted food coloring
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Assorted edible decorations such as HERSHEY´S Chocolate Chips and sprinkles
For Chocolate Shortbread Cookies;
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1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Special Dark Cocoa
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1 cup butter, softened
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1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For Royal Icing;
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2 1/2 cups vanilla frosting, royal icing or combination of both
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2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
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1 tbsp meringue powder (pasteurized dried egg)
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3 tbsp water + additional as needed if too thick
To prepare Chocolate Shortbread Cookies;
1
Heat oven to 300° F. Beat butter, powdered sugar and vanilla in large bowl until creamy. Add cocoa; blend well. Gradually add flour, stirring until smooth.
2
Roll or pat dough to 1/4 inch thickness on lightly floured surface or between 2 pieces of wax paper. Cut into 2-1/2 inch circles with cookie cutter. Reroll dough scraps, cutting cookies until dough is used. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
3
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or just until firm. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Store in airtight container.
To prepare Royal Icing;
1
Stir together 2-1/4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon pasteurized dried egg whites (meringue powder). Add 3 tablespoons warm water. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until spreadable. Add additional water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if too thick.
2
Divide icing into small bowls for each color desired and tint with food colorings. Transfer icing to pastry bags with desired tip. Cover icings and tips of pastry bags with damp paper towels to keep icing from drying out.
3
Some garnishes may need a firmer icing to hold their shape. Stir in small amounts of additional powdered sugar to get desired consistency.
To prepare Christmas Ornament Cookies;
1
Pipe design or spread frosting on tops of cookies. Immediately decorate with desired toppings and design. Allow frosting to set.
2
Meanwhile, vertically cut mini peanut butter cups into halves; set aside. Place dab of frosting at top of cookie ; position peanut butter cup half in place to form hook holder for "ornament". Hold in place until firm and candy stays in place.
Comments
Recipe provided by Hersheyland.com