Cookies and Ornament Exchange Party

One of my favorite things this time of year is the annual cookie and ornament exchange parties! I love to bake everything from simple boxed cake to complex flan. One of my favorite things to bake is cookies. There are all kinds of cookies and no one cookie the same, but one thing is the same they are delicious in every bite. This year we are working with a group of friends for a game/cookie/ornament exchange gathering! I have been given the task to bake and bring in about 4 dozen cookies. What to make what to decorate and bake for the gathering this weekend. One of my favorites is to bring either sugar cookies or gingerbread to decorate while listening to Christmas music! So here is my favorite gingerbread man recipe to make with your friends and family this Chrismas Season!


Gingerbread Soft Cookies (Taste of Home, thanks for always saving the day)

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup molasses

1 large egg, room temperature

2 tablespoons water

2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Frosting of choice

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  Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg and water. In another bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients minus frosting; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; cover. Refrigerate until easy to handle, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-in. gingerbread man cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking pans. Bake until edges are firm, 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost as desired.

Hope you all have fun and share your festive goodies with me! :)