Be Mine! Valentine Cookies

1 c. butter, softened

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. flour

1/4 c. baking cocoa

1 c. white chocolate chips

1/2 Tbsp. shortening

Cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add vanilla. Combine the flour and cocoa; gradually add to creamed mixture. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with heart shaped cookie cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes, or until cookie is firm. Cook on wire racks.

Melt white chocolate (either with your microwave or on the stove top with a double boiler). When melted, mix in shortening. Dip half of the cookie in the chocolate, place on wax paper lined tray. Put remaining chocolate in a parchment triangle and drizzle over top of the cookies. Chill cookies until chocolate is firm.

Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2 - 3 dozen cookies, depending upon the size of the cookie cutter.

Present cookies to your true love with a warm embrace!