Chocolate Gingerbread Boys And Girls recipe

2 servings

1 (12 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1/4 cup water

1 (16 ounce) container prepared vanilla frosting, colored as desired

MICROWAVE 1 1/2 cups morsels in medium, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100 percent) power for 1 minute; stir.

Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth; cool to room temperature.

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.

PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F.

ROLL half of dough to 1/4-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.

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.

PLACE remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag.

Microwave on HIGH (100 percent) power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead.

Microwave for 10 seconds; knead until smooth.

Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to pipe chocolate.

Decorate with piped frosting or icing.