Posted by bizimouse 6/13/01 2:31:22 pm

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Decorating icing in tube or can

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well.

Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Drop dough by slightly heaping 1/4 cupfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart (put only 4 on a cookie sheet). Shape into balls. With palm of hand, flatten to 3 1/2-inch rounds. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. (Cookies will spread during baking; baked cookies will be about 5 inches in diameter.) Cool 3 minutes; using a wide spatula, carefully remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Make a pattern of child's hand on paper, with fingers spread. Cut out the pattern; place pattern on cookie. Using pattern as a guide, outline hand with icing; repeat with remaining cookies. Garnish if desired.

Makes 12 to 14 cookies.