Chocolate Cookies for Cut-Outs

These cookies can be cut into festive shapes for celebrations all through out the year and decorated with icing. They are especially nice cut into hearts for Valentine's Day.

makes about 18 two-inch cookies

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
3. Place butter and rice syrup in the bowl of an electric mixer (preferably a stand mixer) and beat until they are blended.
4. Add the egg and vanilla, and beat until the egg is incorporated.
5. Put the mixer on low speed and gradually add the flour mixture, and beat until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
6. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes.
7. Place a portion of the dough on a flat surface covered with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper. Cover the top with parchment paper, and roll out the dough with a rolling pin to about 1/4" thick. With a cookie cutter, cut cookies into desired shapes.
8. Place cookies about 1-inch apart on a cookie sheet that has been greased or covered with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet and bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.