Cream-Filled Chocolate Bites

JamesDean'sGirl's Note:

The hardest part about these impressive little tartlets is waiting for the dough to chill! Serve after a heavy meal, or as sweet after-thought on a dessert tray.

• Total Time: 3 hrs 14 mins
• Prep Time: 3 hrs
• Cook Time: 14 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 24 bites

SHELLS

• ½ cup butter , softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1⁄8; teaspoon salt

FILLING

• 1 cup heavy cream , chilled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• mini chocolate chip , for garnish (optional)
• unsweetened cocoa powder , for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Cream the butter and sugar until creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed; scraping bowl often.
2. Add the egg; blend well.
3. Reduce mixer speed to low; add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt (whisked together first); stir until well mixed, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; chill 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 325*F.
6. Divide dough into 24 equal pieces; press 1 piece of dough into each cup of an ungreased muffin tin.
7. Press the dough evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the cups.
8. Bake for 14-18 minutes, or until set.
9. Cool completely in tin on a wire rack.
10. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whip the chilled cream and sugar in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, 1-2 minutes.
11. Gently stir in the vanilla.
12. Spoon 1 Tbsp.
13. of the whipped cream into each shell; top with 1 mini chocolate chip and a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.
14. Store in the refrigerator.
15. *Theseare best the day they're made.
16. *.