Owl Cookies Make these cute cookies for Halloween or any kids' party. As a variation for a Harry Potter party, decorate these cookies with some white icing then add the chocolate chip or candy eyes afterwards for "Hedwig" cookies! * 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup butter ( 1 1/2 sticks), room temperature
* 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
* 1 egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
* chocolate chips, about 3 to 4 dozen (or use other candies for eyes)
* cashews, about 3 to 4 dozen
Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; beat in egg and vanilla, beating until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Remove about 2/3 of the cookie dough to a floured surface. To the remaining dough, add the cooled melted chocolate, blending well.
Roll out half of the vanilla dough to a 10- x 4 1/2-inch rectangle. Shape half of the chocolate dough into a roll 10 inches long; place on the vanilla dough portion. Wrap the vanilla dough around chocolate dough; wrap in foil. Repeat with remaining vanilla and chocolate dough; chill rolls for about 2 to 3 hours. Cut rolls of dough into slices about 1/4-inch thick. Place two slices together on a greased cookie sheet; pinch upper edge of each cookie to make ear tufts and place a chocolate chip in the center of each chocolate dough eye section. Place a cashew at the bottom connection of the two cookies to make the beak. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Bake owl cookies at 350° 8 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from baking sheet and let cool on racks. Store between layers of waxed paper or foil in tightly covered containers.
