Delicious Recipe for Gingerbread Bears

These adorable gingerbread bears are not only fun to make, but also delicious to eat. Perfect for holiday parties or as special treats for kids. The warm spices of gingerbread combined with the sweetness of icing make these cookies irresistible.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Royal icing, for decorating

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1-2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Use bear-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
7. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are set.
8. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing to create bear faces, using icing for eyes, nose, and mouth.
10. Allow icing to set before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Interesting Facts