Chocolate Gingerbread Bears

Name: Chocolate Gingerbread Bears
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 recipe Big Batch Gingerbread Dough (see page 334); 1 recipe Chocolate Luster Glaze (see page 374); to taste Multicolored cookie decors (about the size of Red Hots, used for eyes and buttons); 1 recipe Easy Powdered-Sugar Icing (see page 373, optional); to taste Liquid food coloring (for tinting icing, optional)

Beautifully decorated chocolate gingerbread bear cookies — perfect as gifts, holiday decorations, or a fun children's craft activity.

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Ingredients

Big Batch Gingerbread Dough (see page 334) 1 recipe

Chocolate Luster Glaze (see page 374) 1 recipe

Multicolored cookie decors (about the size of Red Hots, used for eyes and buttons) to taste

Easy Powdered-Sugar Icing (see page 373, optional) 1 recipe

Liquid food coloring (for tinting icing, optional) to taste

Instructions

Cutting and Baking

Cut and bake the cookies according to the instructions in the Big Batch Gingerbread Dough recipe; if the cookies will be used as tree ornaments, remember to make hanging holes before baking.

Glazing

Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a knife to apply a smooth, even layer of chocolate glaze to each bear. The coating should be neat but not too thick. Place the cookies on a cooling rack and let them sit until the glaze sets, about 45 minutes.

Decorating Eyes

Pick out enough white or other light-colored cookie decors for the eyes of each cookie. Place a small dot of chocolate glaze at the position of each eye. Press the decors onto the faces. Dip the tip of a toothpick or paring knife into the chocolate glaze, and place a small dot in the center of each decor as a pupil. If desired, you can also use colorful cookie decors as buttons.

Setting

Let the cookies sit for at least 1.5 hours, or until the glaze is completely set.

Piping Decoration

If adding decorative piping, prepare the powdered sugar icing and mix in the desired accent colors. Use a paper cone or piping bag fitted with a fine tip to pipe noses, mouths, and decorative details such as boots, mittens, belts, and scarves on the bears. (If needed, you can pipe outlines for areas to be filled; for details on this technique, see page 382.)

Final Setting

Let the cookies sit until all the icing decorations are completely set, for at least 1.5 hours, longer if possible.

Storage

Store in a single layer or separated by wax paper in an airtight container, or wrap individually, for up to 3 weeks; or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, thaw on a cooling rack before serving.