Chocolate-Hazelnut "Mousse" Cookies

1. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Add vanilla and cooled chocolate, beating until combined.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually beat in as much flour mixture to butter mixture as you can with the mixer, beating until combined. Stir in any remaining flour mixture. Shape dough into two 1-inch-diameter logs, about 9 inches long. Carefully wrap logs in plastic wrap. Freeze 30 minutes or until logs are firm enough to slice.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap logs and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Transfer to wire racks; cool completely.

4. Using a star tip, pipe a small amount of Chocolate-Hazelnut "Mousse" mixture onto each cookie. Top each with a toasted hazelnut. Makes about 72 cookies.

Tip: To make sandwich cookies, pipe mousse on the tops of half of the cookies. Top with remaining cookies.

To Store: Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Chocolate Hazelnut "Mousse": In a medium bowl beat 3 tablespoons softened butter and 1/3 cup chocolate hazelnut spread together with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until combined. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons milk to get a piping consistency.