Ladybug Cookies

Name: Ladybug Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla frosting; 1/2 cup vanilla or white chips; Red liquid or paste food coloring; 1 package (12 ounces) chocolate and marshmallow cookies; 3 strips black shoestring licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces; 12 large black gumdrops

These bright, sweet "ladybugs" brought me good luck when it came to pleasing guests. I frosted chocolate-covered marshmallow cookies to make the whimsical treats, and they turned out so cute I used them as part of my centerpiece. -Kendra Barclay, De Kalb, Illinois

Ingredients

1 cup vanilla frosting
1/2 cup vanilla or white chips
Red liquid or paste food coloring
1 package (12 ounces) chocolate and marshmallow cookies
3 strips black shoestring licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces
12 large black gumdrops

Directions

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt frosting and chips at 70% power; stir until smooth. Stir in food coloring. Spread over the rounded tops of cookies; place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
For head, insert two pieces of licorice into gumdrops for antennae. With a toothpick, attach a gumdrop onto the side of each cookie.
Use a toothpick or knife to draw a line from the head down the center of each cookie. For legs, insert six pieces of licorice into frosting of each ladybug. Chop remaining licorice into small pieces; place on top for spots.