Hi! I personally weigh all of my ingredients when testing recipes. I talk about why my metrics might differ from what you expect here: https://cookingwithkarli.com/metric-measurements/

I have never tried that, but it sounds delicious! Report back if you try it, please!

You will just melt the chocolate in the microwave as written!

Yes, you can make this ahead of time. I would actually cut the dough first and then freeze so they are ready to bake. Here is my favorite way to freeze cookie dough: https://cookiesfordays.com/how-to-freeze-cookie-dough/

You can omit the corn syrup. It will change the texture slightly!

Yes, that should work! I would put it in a 9×13 pan and follow all instructions as written.

Yes! The shortening in the frosting will help it crust over so they can be packaged.

Yes! The shortening in the frosting will help it crust over so they can be packaged.

Yes! You can for sure add nuts.

The butter extract adds such a nice flavor! Without it, the cookies will still be delicious, but may not give the Pillsbury flavor you’re looking for.