Chocolate Waffle Cookies

Today my friends, Venise, Helen, and Pam came over for a visit.  It's been a long time since we've gotten together, so it was so nice to spend time with them.  For fun, we made these cookies.

For as many years as I can remember, making these cookies has been my valentine's tradition. I do them in my heart shaped waffle iron. They are good anytime of the year, though.  If you don't have a heart shaped waffle iron, just drop by tablespoon on a regular one, and they cook into turtle cookies. 

Chocolate Waffle Cookies

Serving Size: 24

2 cups flour
1 cup baking cocoa, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 eggs, large

-= Instructions =-

1. In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder and cocoa. Mix well with wire whisk. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and beat at medium speed. Batter will appear slightly curdled. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the flour mixture and blend on low speed until just combined. Do not over mix.
3. Drop by rounded tablespoons on greased hot waffle iron (about 1 T. Per 4 x 4 inch area). Cook for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Hint: turn over waffle iron to easily drop cookies.

Use any of the following toppings singly or in combination: chocolate frosting, a dusting of confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder, fresh raspberries and whipped cream; a drizzle of chocolate syrup. I like making a thin frosting that I drizzle over -- Make by combining in a saucepan 1/4 cup butter, 3 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons cocoa-- and bringing them to a boil. Remove from heat, then add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 2 cups powdered sugar. Stir well and drizzle over cookies.