How to Make Chocolate Cut-Outs

Chocolate cut-outs are quick and easy to make. They can be used as decorations or as favors at children's birthday parties and other celebrations. They add a delicious finishing touch to cakes, cupcakes, and any other baked goods you want to put an extra special touch on.

Things You'll Need

• Bar of semisweet chocolate
• Shortening
• Cutting board
• Paring knife
• Candy thermometer
• Double boiler
• Bowl
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cookie cutters or sharp knife

Instructions

1. Decide what shapes you want to create. Have your child help select cookie cutters to use to make the cut-outs or create your own stencils by cutting a shape from cardboard or poster board.

2. Shave a bar of semisweet chocolate on a cutting board with a paring knife. Put the shavings in a bowl. Add one teaspoon shortening for every 2 ounces of chocolate.

3. Melt 2/3 of the chocolate in a double boiler on low heat. Do not let the temperature go over 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Remove the container from the heat, and slowly add the remaining chocolate until it's all melted. Spoon the chocolate on a piece of parchment paper.

5. Spread the chocolate with a spatula to form a smooth, thin layer. Cover with a layer of paper. Store in a cool place until the chocolate is solid. Remove the paper and gently tap it on a hard surface to make it even and remove air bubbles.

6. Warm up a cookie cutter or a sharp knife by passing it quickly over a gas flame.

7. Cut out shapes in the chocolate with a cookie cutter. To use your own stencils, place the stencil on top of the chocolate and trace it with the knife.

Tips & Warnings

• To make colored chocolate shapes, tint white chocolate with an oil-based food coloring.