These adorable beaver cookies take some time and skill to make, but the end result is more than worth it! These delightfully simple shortbread cookies are decorated with chocolate and etched with a toothpick.
Cream together butter, sugar and salt in a bowl. Once the butter sugar mixture is done, add vanilla extract and brown gel food coloring.
Mix in the flour until a dough-like consistency starts to form.
Refrigerate cookie dough for 20–30 minutes.
On a well floured surface, roll the cookie dough with a rolling pin until it is ⅛-inch thick.
Using a beaver cookie cutter or paper template, cut out shapes in the cookie dough. Use a knife to create a crosshatch pattern for the beaver’s tail.
Place the cookies on parchment paper 2 inches apart and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Bake in preheated oven at 350ºF for 7–10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden. Remove cookies from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.
Place dark, milk and white chocolate in separate bowls. Microwave chocolate for 30 seconds until there are no lumps. Use toothpick to draw on the eyes, teeth and details.