Christmas Cookies

Gingerbread sandwich Trees

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup of butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg

• 3/4 cup molasses

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1-1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• mini M&M's

• 3/4 cup vanilla or chocolate frosting

• green food coloring, optional

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg and molasses. Combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for two hours, or until easy to handle.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough 1/8 in. thickness.

3. Cut with a lightly floured 3 in. tree-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Gently press M&M's into half of the cookies.

4. Bake at 325 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm. Move to a wire cookie rack to cool completely.

5. If using vanilla frosting, tint green as desired. Spread on tops of plain cookies. Top with decorated cookies. Store in an airtight container. Yeild: 2 dozen

Photo and recipe by Taste of Home