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Valentine's Day: Chocolate Shortbread Bites

Source of Recipe


Better Homes & Gardens, February 2002






List of Ingredients



• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1 tsp instant coffee crystals, or 1/2 tsp instant espresso coffee powder
  
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1/2 cup butter
  
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate pieces, melted (optional)
  
• 1 tsp shortening (optional)
  






Instructions



1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F). In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee or espresso powder, and cinnamon. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. With hands, knead dough until it forms a smooth ball.
   
   
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough 1/4-inch thick (about 9x8-inch rectangle). Use various-sized heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out dough. Re-roll as necessary. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are set and tops appear dry. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.
   
   
3. To melt chocolate: In a saucepan, combine chocolate pieces and shortening. Stir over low heat until melted. Dip one corner of each cookie in melted chocolate; transfer to a waxed-paper-lined cookie sheet. Let stand until chocolate sets.
   
   Serve these with a great pot of coffee.
   
   Makes 80 (1-inch) hearts.