1. Melt chocolate and shortening in microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring every 10 second until smooth.
2. Dip half of each cookie in chocolate mixture, sliding cookie bottoms slightly along bowl edge to remove excess, and place on parchment or wax paper.
3. Garnish dipped cookies with sprinkles, cinnamon or peppermint hard candies prior to chocolate setting.
4. Store cookies in an airtight container until ready to serve.