Surprise Packages (1994 2nd Place Winner)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Have ready ungreased baking sheets.

Beat butter in large bowl of electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in half of the flour, the sugar, vanilla and water until thoroughly combined. Beat in the remaining flour.

Use a scant 1 tablespoon of dough and press it flat and thin with your hands. Put a chocolate mint wafer in the center and fold the dough over to completely cover each chocolate and to form a neat, rectangular package. Pinch the edges to seal. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake until bottoms are lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool a few minutes on the baking sheets and then cool completely on wire racks.

For icing, mix confectioners' sugar and milk to make a thin icing; color icing as desired. Use a small spatula to ice cookies. Decorate as desired so cookies resemble Christmas packages.