Chocolate Easter Eggs

Description
Contributed by Eddie Rickenbacker at Catsrecipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * ½ cup butter, softened
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract
 * 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
 * 2½ lbs confectioners' sugar
 * 1 cup creamy peanut butter (optional)
 * 1 cup flaked coconut (optional)
 * 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
 * 2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces
 * 2 tbsp shortening or vegetable oil (optional)

Directions

 * 1) In a large bowl, mix together the butter, vanilla, and cream cheese.
 * 2) Stir in confectioners' sugar to make a workable dough.
 * 3) For best results, use your hands for mixing.
 * 4) Divide the dough into four parts.
 * 5) Leave one of the parts plain.
 * 6) To the second part, mix in peanut butter.
 * 7) Mix coconut into the third part, and cocoa powder into the last part.
 * 8) Roll each type of dough into egg shapes, and place on a waxed paper lined cookie sheet.
 * 9) Refrigerate until hard, at least an hr.
 * 10) Melt chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl over a pan of simmering water.
 * 11) Stir occasionally until smooth.
 * 12) If the chocolate seems too thick for coating, stir in some of the shortening or oil until it thins.
 * 13) Dip the chilled candy eggs in chocolate, and return to the waxed paper lined sheet to set.
 * 14) Refrigerate for ½ hr to harden.