Christmas Cookies

I love easy recipes, especially when the kiddos can involved. I love intricate recipes but if it takes too much time where the kiddos can get into something in the meantime; maybe its not a good idea. As I was perusing on of my cookbooks, I found a recipe for easy gingerbread men. It was so good too. I keep forgetting the toppings (raisins, red hots, etc) that we always had when we were little. Oh well, luckily the boys don't know the difference yet.

Easiest Gingerbread Men

Gooseberry Patch's Merry Christmas

1 (18.5 oz) Spice Cake Mix

1 cup flour

2 t ginger

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1/2 cup molasses

Mix all ingredients well. Chill in fridge for a couple hours. Use greased cookie sheets. Roll out (to 1/4 inch thick) and bake at 375 for about 8-10 minutes. (less if you a little chewier and longer for crispy).

For ultra-soft and delicious cookies, make these ones. This recipe is more intricate but very tasty especially with a glass of cold milk or something piping hot. This recipe can be also found on the back of the Grandma's Molasses Jar.

Grandma's Favorite Gingerbread People

3 cups flour

3/4 t baking soda

1/2 t ground cinnamon

1/8 t ground cloves

1/2 c butter, softened

1/2 c sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup molasses

1 t vanilla

1/8 t ground ginger

Cream together butter and sugar; add egg and molasses. Mix well. Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, and cloves in another bowl. Mix slowly and thoroughly into molasses mixture. Refrigerate at least 3 hours. Roll thin on a floured surface and cut as desired. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for about 5-6 minutes. Cool completely. Frost as desired.