1
In large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar and butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
2
Add egg and cinnamon; beat until light and fluffy.
3
Add flour, cocoa and baking soda, beating on low speed to combine.
4
Mix in ground nuts. Dough will be somewhat stiff.
5
Shape dough into 2 flat rounds; cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
6
On surface dusted lightly with flour, roll out 1 round at a time to 1/8-inch thickness.
7
With cookie cutter, cut out football shapes.
8
Place 1 inch apart on cookie sheets coated with cooking spray or parchment paper.
9
Using a knife, mark laces on 1/2 of the footballs.
10
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are no longer moist.
11
Remove from cookie sheets and place on wire racks to cool.
12
Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe dish; microwave on 50 percent power for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every 30-45 seconds until the chips are melted.
13
Fill pastry bag fitted with a tip to achieve a thin line with white chocolate mixture. Pipe melted white chocolate onto the back of an unmarked cookie; top with a cookie with laces marked on it to make a sandwich. Decorate the top by piping on additional melted white chocolate to resemble laces on football.
14
Repeat with remaining cookies.