1/2 c  Butter or margarine
1/4 c  Sugar
1    Egg; large, beaten
1 ts Vanilla extract
1/4 c  Milk
1/4 c  Cocoa
2 c  Flour; unbleached, unsifted
--cocoa frosting--
2 tb Cocoa
1 1/4 c  Confectioners sugar
2 tb Butter or margarine; melted
1/2 ts Vanilla extract

Cream 1/2 cup butter and the sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg,
vanilla, and milk. Sift cocoa and flour. Mix into butter mixture until
thoroughly blended. Chill dough until firm enough to handle (about 30
minutes). Using 2 T dough, roll a rope about 12 inches long between your
hands. Shape into a pretzel as follows: Make a loop bout 1 1/2 inches in
diameter by crossing the ends, leaving 1-inch tails. Flip the loop down
over the crossed ends. Press firmly into place. Place pretzels on greased
baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 10 minutes. Mak frosting in
a small bowl. Mix cocoa and confectioners sugar. Gradually stir in butter
and vanilla. If frosting is too thick, thin with milk. When pretzels are
cool, spread with Cocoa Frosting. Make 2 dozen.