LITTLE DIPPERS

another recipe that will place guests in awe of you. these cookies twinkle like little chocolate stars. to get the effect, dip baked cookies in melted chocolate and brush with edible gold luster dust.

Time: 55 minutes

Number Of Ingredients: 10

Ingredients: all-purpose flour,unsweetened cocoa powder,salt,butter,sugar,egg,instant espresso coffee powder,sweet baking chocolate,shortening,luster dust

Steps:

1. combine flour , cocoa , and salt in a medium bowl
2. set aside
3. beat butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds
4. add sugar and beat about 2 minutes or until fluffy , scraping side of bowl occasionally
5. beat in egg and espresso powder
6. beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer
7. stir in any remaining flour mixture
8. use your hands to form the dough into a ball
9. divide dough in half
10. preheat oven to 350f
11. roll each half of the dough to 1 / 4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface
12. cut out shapes using a 2-1 / 2-inch star-shape cookie cutter
13. place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets
14. bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm
15. transfer to wire racks and let cool
16. microwave chopped chocolate and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl on 50 percent power about 2 minutes or until melted and smooth , stirring three times
17. dip one-third of each cookie into melted chocolate mixture
18. let excess drip back into bowl
19. place cookies on waxed paper
20. let stand about 1 hour or until set
21. if desired , brush luster dust on chocolate
22. makes 48 cookies
23. to store:
24. place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container
25. cover
26. store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
27. thaw cookies , if frozen , before serving