Festive Chocolate Hearts

Festive Chocolate Hearts

1 cup butter, cubed
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg, lightly neaten
2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

Topping:
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp shortening
Red nonpareils

In a saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Cool for 15 minutes. Stir in the egg. Combine the flour, cocoa, and the salt. Add to the butter mixture. Fold in the walnuts. Cover and chill for 30 minutes or until easy to handle. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 9-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. For the topping: In a microwave, melt the chocolate chips and shortening over low heat. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly. With a small spatula, spread a thin layer of the chocolate mixture around the edges of the cookies. Sprinkle with the nonpareils. Place on waxed papers. Let stand until set. Makes about 4 dozen