December 13, 2011

Cute Gingerbread Cookies

These cute gingerbread cookies holding candy canes are perfect for holiday parties or a cookie exchange. 


cute gingerbread cookies! These little guys are holding a candy cane, but what else could you have them hold? hmmm . . .


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I love the smell of gingerbread.  They are my favorite Christmas cookie.  I can't help but eat a ton of the little guys. Sometimes I just open up the bag and sniff.  I know, weird, but there you go.

My mom used to make these when I was growing up, and I decided to try making some myself, just for fun.  The kids think they are really cool.

gingerbread cookies that hold candy canes? Yes please!


First I made my gingerbread dough (find the recipe at the bottom of the post) and chilled it.  Then I rolled and cut it with a 5 inch gingerbread man cookie cutter.  Try and find one that has longish arms, as it will make this whole thing easier.

gingerbread cookies that hold candy canes? Yes please!



Once it is cut, if the arm is still a little short to bend over the candy cane, just flatten it out a bit with your finger.  (I should totally be a hand model, huh?)


Now, I kind of improvised here, as I'm prone to do.  My mom uses a straw as a placeholder while baking, but I did not have any, so I cut some bamboo skewers and used 3 of them to make the space for the candy cane.  She says the straws will curl some on the ends if you use them.  Personally I was thinking that a dowel would be perfect for the job, but I didn't have one, so I made do.

how to make gingerbread cookies that hold candy canes


I took three parts of a skewer, and pushed them down where I wanted the candy cane to be, leaving a bit of an indentation. Then I folded the arm over the skewers and pushed the end down a bit.  It's easy to pinch the dough back together if there are any breaks.

how to make gingerbread cookies that hold candy canes



Then bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes or until brown around the edges. (I like to bake cookies on parchment paper and these AirBake cookie sheets).  When the cookies are done, remove them to a cooling rack and while still warm, gently pull out the sticks and slip in a candy cane.  Let cool and decorate.  Cute, huh?  Use these for a fun gift. They would also be great cookies for a Christmas party.

how to make gingerbread cookies that hold candy canes. So cute!


What's your favorite Christmas cookie? 


       



recipe: 

1/2 cup shortening
2 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 Tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

beat until thoroughly combined. Chill for 3 hours. Shape and bake in 375 degree oven for 7-9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. 

8 comments:

  1. This recipe is so fun! I made some with my grandkids while I was in Denver. Yours turned out really cute! McDonald's has fat straws that don't curl. I sent Bryan to McDonalds the other day to buy a drink and pick me up straws!

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  2. What a great idea! We love gingerbread cookies around here. I think my daughter will love them even more if they're holding candy canes. ;-) Have a great day!

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  3. Too cute to eat hehe.

    New follower via Mingle with us (Blog Hop).

    http://www.sjb-myphotopage.com/

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  4. Just stopping by from Mingle with Us. How cute are these gingerbread men! We're baking this weekend and I'm adding these adorable cookies to my list! My preschooler will love these! I'm your newest follower on GFC!

    Lisa
    Criss-Cross Applesauce

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  5. This is such a cute idea? I love candy cane! I would love for you to lnk this up to my Christmas Traditions Link Up !

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  6. Oh my... too cute! I'm new to your blog today and love it! I'd love for you to link up at my "Life is About... blog hop" going on now!

    Blessings,
    Breena
    mommyknowslife.blogspot.com
    (p.s. - I'm your new GFC follower)!

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  7. please give the ginger cookie recipie

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  8. So cute! Thanks for the recipe. Would love it if you linked up on my blog hop www.w-t-fab.com/search/label/bloghop. Also let me know if you'd like to follow each other!

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