Chocolate Sugar Plum Cookies

Sugar plums are sweet treats, as are these chocolate cut-out cookies, decorated as befits the occasion.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup semisweet chocoate, melted

Assorted cookie cutters
Colored sugars
White decorating icing

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended after each addition. Add melted chocolate and mix well.
4. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut with assorted 3-inch cookie cutters; sprinkle with colored sugar. Place, 2-inches apart, on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool on wire racks.
6. Decorate with icing as desired. Store in loosely covered container at room temperature.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.