Marshmallow Cookies

Now, before you make assumptions based on the name of these cookies...let me tell you, I am not a huge marshmallow fan, but these cookies are to die for. They remind me of those cookies a place in the mall used to make...The Cookie Connection, was it? Anyhow, they take a little work, but are well worth the yummy, chocolate, melt-in-your-mouth, sugary, sweetness.

1/2 C. shortening
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1 3/4 C. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 C. cocoa
1 t. vanilla
1 t. butter flavoring (I didn't have this so I used twice the amount of vanilla)
21 large marshmallows cut in 1/2.

Beat shortening at medium speed until fluffy. Add sugar, beat well. Add eggs, one at a time. Combine flour, baking soda and salt and add to shortening mixture. Mix well. Stir in vanilla and butter flavoring. Dough will be stiff and very sticky. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Shape into small 1 inch balls (I just plopped small teaspoons full of dough since it was too sticky to roll into balls and they turned out fine). Bake on greased cookie sheet (or silpat) for 7 minutes at 350. Pull out of the oven and place 1/2 marshmallow on top of each cookie, press down a little. Return to the oven for 2 more minutes. Cool on wire rack and spread with warm frosting.

Frosting:

1/2 C. chocolate chips
1/4 C. milk
2 T. butter
2 C. powdered sugar
Combine first 3 ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat stirring constantly until melted. Add powdered sugar and beat til smooth. Spread over cookies.

Prepare yourself for a sugar high.