Nestles Mini Chip Cut-Out Cookies

Kerena's Note:

I got this recipe from the Nestles verybestbaking.com site. It is one of my alltime favorite cookies to make for Christmas. I love the crispy texture and wonderful taste of these cookies. I don't decorate the cookies but choose to leave them plain as they are fantastic just the way they are! I put the 1/2 c of mini morsels that would be melted and used to decorate the cookies in the dough.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 18

Yield: 36.0 cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups nestles semisweet chocolate morsels, mini size, divided
• 16 ounces vanilla frosting, if desired

Directions:

1. Beat butter, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla and salt in large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in the egg yolk. Gradually beat in flour. Stir in 1 1/2 c morsels (I add the whole 2 cups). Divide dough in half; cover. Chill for 1 hour or until firm.
2. Roll half of dough to 1/4" thickness between 2 sheets of waxed paper. Remove top sheet. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Lift from waxed paper and place on ungreased baking sheets. Chill for 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough.
3. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Spread with frosting; pipe with melted chocolate.
5. To pipe chocolate - place remaining morsels in heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on high for 45 seconds. Knead bag. Microwave an additional 10 seconds and knead until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag and squeeze to pipe chocoate.