Shaped 
Christmas Cookies

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon butter flavoring
• About 20 large marshmallows, cut in half
• Chocolate Frosting

Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well.

Sift together flour, soda, salt, and cocoa in a medium mixing bowl; add to creamed mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in flavorings, blending well. (Dough will be stiff). Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.

Shape dough into 1-ince ball; place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for minutes. Place a marshmallow half on top of each cookie: bake an additional 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks, and spread Chocolate Frosting evenly over each cookie. Leave cookies on wire racks until frosting is set. Store in airtight containers.

Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen.

Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Combine chocolate morsels, milk, and butter in medium saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts. Add sugar, beating until mixture is smooth. (Additional milk may be added to yield desired spreading consistency).

Yield: frosting for about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

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