Directions

• 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, sugar, water and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of mixer until well blended. Add egg; beat well.
• 2. Stir together flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating on low speed just until blended. (If necessary, refrigerate dough until firm enough to handle.)
• 3. Roll 1/4 cup dough into ball; place on ungreased cookie sheet, 3 cookies per sheet. (Cookies spread while baking.) Insert wooden stick about three quarters of the way into side of each ball. Flatten slightly.
• 4. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until outside edges are firm and center is set. Cool several minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.
• 5. Decorate tops of cookies with white and pink frostings to make hearts or Valentine messages. Sprinkle with decorator's sugars or sprinkles, if desired. Makes about 12 cookies.