Making hedgehog cookies is a fun and creative process. Follow these steps to create your very own batch of these delightful treats:

1. Prepare Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
2. Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, butter, syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to ensure the cookies remain tender.
4. Chill: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial for firming up the dough, making it easier to shape later.

2. Bake Cookies

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Shape Dough: Take small portions of the chilled dough and shape them into teardrop forms, flattening the pointed end to form the hedgehog’s face.
3. Bake: Arrange the shaped dough on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
4. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Add Topping

1. Prepare Pecans: Pulse the pecans in a food processor until they are finely chopped.
2. Melt Chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
3. Dip and Roll: Dip the round end of each cookie into the melted chocolate, then immediately roll it in the chopped pecans. Place the cookies on wax paper to set for about 30 minutes.

4. Decorate

1. Pipe Features: Transfer the remaining melted chocolate into a piping bag. Carefully pipe small dots onto each cookie to create eyes and a nose for your hedgehog.