to make cookies

preheat oven to 350˚

melt the 2 TBPS of butter, a scant 1/3 cup of sugar and the cocoa powder together just until melted then let it cool

meanwhile cream the remaining 1/2 cup butter and the full 1/3 cup sugar together until light and fluffy

beat in the egg and vanilla

in a separate bowl mix the the baking soda, salt and flour

stir into the sugar mixture

then add the cocoa mix and stir until well mixed

line two baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper

drop the dough by TBSP onto the lined baking sheets, making about 24 cookies

bake each sheet 7-8 minutes or until just starting to set, don't over bake or burn them

let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack

keep your baking sheets to place the iced cookies back on so they can be put some where to let the icing set up

when the cookies are cool make the icing, it does set up so don't make it before hand

to make the icing: whisk the the butter, cocoa powder and milk together over medium heat until melted and mixed together

gently take each cookie and dip the top in the icing and then place it back on the baking sheet to set up

once they've set up gently lift them off the baking sheet and place on a platter or plate

there will be plenty of icing left on the sheet and it makes a tasty treat to pick at, don't waste it

they can be eaten right away but if you want the icing to harden up give them at least 3-4 hours

store them lightly covered but not airtight because the icing will get gummy