Chocolate Cookie Bears

1 cup granulated sugar 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened (do not substitute) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) Ready to spread frosting Assorted small candies, candy sprinkles, colored sugar

In large bowl, beat sugar and butter with electric mixer until creamy. Add melted chocolate, eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined oats, flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Cover; chill about 2 hours.
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
To make bears, shape dough into 1-inch balls for the bodies, 1/2-inch balls for the heads and 1/4-inch balls for the arms, legs and ears. On ungreased cookie sheets, gently press pieces together to form bears, placing 2 inches apart. Flatten bears slightly.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or just until firm to the touch. (Do not overbake.) Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.
Decorate as desired with frosting and candies. Store tightly covered.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Note: To melt chocolate chips: place in dry measuring cup or small microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Or, place in top part of double boiler over hot (not boiling) water; stir occasionally until smooth.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of The Quaker Oats Company.