But no one will be springing away from these yummy chocolate “surprise” mice cookies, no matter what hour of the day or evening you serve them (we’re waiting for the clock to strike twelve on New Year’s Eve). These mousies are filled with Cholives, olive-shaped chocolates with chocolate ganache centers (perfect for chocolate martinis, glamorous garnish or simply indulgent popping).

If you can’t get your hands on Cholives before New Year’s Eve, you can substitute. Miniature Easter egg shapes work as well; Hershey’s Kisses will work, but they’re not of the quality of Cholives. We haven’t tried Dove Promises in this recipe—they’re square rather than oval—but they’re filled with delicious soft centers, just like Cholives. As long as you mound the dough correctly, your choice of chocolate should work.

A sweet way to start the New Year—or any
day of the year! Photo by Lisa Leick.

Cholive-Filled Chocolate Mice

INGREDIENTS

– 3/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup shortening
– 1 teaspoon vanilla
– 1 egg
– 2-1/4 cup unbleached flour
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 3 dozen Cholives (or Kisses or other chocolate)
– White, silver or colored nonpareils (tiny sugar balls) or miniature chocolate chips, for eyes
– Chocolate or black string licorice, for tails, cut into 2-inch pieces

PREPARATION

1. Heat oven to 325ºF. In large bowl, beat sugar, butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; blend well.
2. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Stir in flour, cocoa and baking powder; mix well.
3. Shape dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Push Cholive into ball and roll gently in hands until Cholive is covered in dough.
4. To form Cholive-filled mouse, pinch one end of ball to form nose. For ears, make two tiny balls of dough and flatten slightly; gently press into dough on upper front of each mouse body. For eyes, press 2 nonpareils into dough below ears.
5. Place shaped cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 325ºF for 8-13 minutes or until set.
6. Remove from oven. Immediately insert piece of licorice “tail” into the rounded end of each cookie.
7. Remove from cookie sheets.

Makes 3 dozen chocolate mice. Recipe can also be adapted to make Chocolate Cats and Chocolate Dogs.

• Learn more about Cholives.
• See all the verses to “Hickory Dickory Dock”—there are more than you may know!