Is a $25 artisan block better than a $1.50 milk compound chocolate Santa?

These rich molasses lace cookies are formed into cups and filled with a cream spiked with brandy and chocolate. The cookies also can be molded into tubes by wrapping them around cannoli molds.

Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium, combine the butter, molasses and both sugars. Bring to a simmer for 30 seconds, then mix in the ...