Chocolate Log Holiday Cookies

Method

For the logs:

1. Sift the flour, cocoa and salt together. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. (You can also use a food processor)
2. Stir in the sugar.
3. Combine the milk and vanilla essence and stir into the dry mixture to form a stiff dough.
4. Roll the dough into 2 logs about 2cm in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Once rested, slice the logs into pieces about 5cm each. Spread evenly on a greased baking tray.
6. Bake in a preheated oven of 200°C for 20 -25 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Cool on racks.

For the icing:

1. Mix the cocoa with water until smooth. Whip the butter until creamy and then add the sifted icing sugar and cocoa mixture, beating until smooth. (add a little water if needed)
2. Spread the cooled biscuits with the icing. Use a fork to make the icing look like rough bark. Decorate with sugared holly and dust with extra icing sugar to resemble a soft coating of snow.