Happy Holiday Cookies

Heat oven to 375. In large mixer bowl combine sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes) Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking powder and salt. Beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Leave 1 portion in mixer bowl; add green food coloring. Beat at medium speed until well mixed (1 minute). Place 1 portion plain dough in medium bowl. By hand, stir in melted cooled chocolate. (Now you have green dough, chocolate dough and white dough.) Shape dough into 1/4 to 1/2 inch balls. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets in desired forms according to variations below. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until set. Let stand 1 minute; carefully remove from cookie sheets. Variations: Trees: Place 10 green or plain balls to form a solid triangle. Use 1 chocolate ball for trunk. (Balls should touch slightly.) Decorate with candies. Wreaths: Place 8 green, chocolate or plain balls to form a circle. (Balls should touch slightly). Decorate with candies. Candy Canes: Place 7 chocolate or plain balls to form candy cane. (Balls should slightly touch. Decorate with candies or sprinkle with powdered sugar after baking. Snowman: Shape dough into 1 to 2 inch balls. Place 3 balls to form snowman. Slightly flatten each ball with bottom of buttered glass dipped in sugar.