mischievous monkeys cookies

How To Make mischievous monkeys cookies

• 1

  Whisk flour, cocoa, and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; beat until blended. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well after each addition. Divide dough in half; shape each half into disc. Wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.
• 2

  Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Working with one disc at a time, roll out dough between sheets of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness. From each disc, cut out 5 large circles with 3 inch round cookie cutter, 5 medium circles with 2 inch round cookie cutter and 10 small circles with 1 1/2 inch round cookie cutter.
• 3

  Place large circles 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets. Place 2 small circles next to each large circle for ears. Place medium circles 1 inch apart on separate prepared cookie sheet. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Bake circles 12 minutes or until set. Cool on cookie sheets 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
• 4

  Add food coloring, a few drops at a time, to frosting; stir until evenly tinted. Spread medium circles with frosting. Let stand 10 minutes or until set. Spread thin layer of frosting on backs of medium circles and adhere to large circles for mouth. Cut lengths of licorice for noses and mouths; press into frosting. Spread small circle of frosting on inside of each small circle for ears. Dot backs of 2 candies with frosting; adhere to each large circle just above medium circle for eyes. Let stand 10 minutes or until set.
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