Halloween Chocolate Cookie Mice

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, margarine and shortening until light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and egg; blend well.

Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.

Stir in the flour, cocoa and baking powder; mix well.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.

To form a mouse, pinch one end of the ball to form the nose.

For the ears, make 2 tiny balls of dough and flatten slightly; gently press into the dough on the upper front of each mouse body.

For the eyes, press 2 miniature chocolate chips into the dough below the ears.

Place the shaped cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 13 minutes, or until set.

For the tails, immediately place a piece of licorice into the rounded end of each cookie.

Remove from the cookie sheets.

Variation.

Chocolaty Shortbread Cookies: Prepare the dough as directed above.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Flatten slightly with a glass dipped in sugar.

Bake for 8 to 13 minutes, or until set.

Cool for 1 minute; remove from the cookie sheets.