Chocolate-Dipped Maple Slices

 

3/4

cup packed brown sugar

3/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

1/4

teaspoon maple extract

1 1/2

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1

teaspoon baking powder

1/4

teaspoon salt

1

cup chopped pecans

1

cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)

2

teaspoons shortening

Additional chopped pecans, if desired

• 1 In large bowl, beat brown sugar, butter and maple extract with electric mixer on medium speed until blended, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in 1 cup pecans. Shape into roll, 12 inches long. Wrap and refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.
• 2 Heat oven to 375°F. Cut roll into 1/4-inch slices. On ungreased cookie sheet, place 2 inches apart. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack; cool completely.
• 3 In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth; remove from heat. Dip half of each cookie into glaze. Sprinkle with additional pecans. Place on waxed paper until glaze is set.