Christmas Cookie Countdown

Cut-Out Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies have a secret ingredient- coffee!

2 3/4 c. flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. ginger
1/2 cinnamon

Combine above ingredients. Set aside

In another bowl, cream together ( in the order given)

1/2 cup ( 1 stick) butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee

Slowly add flour mixture to above mixture.

Chill for 2 hours. Roll out until 1/4" thick.
Use desired cookie cutters to make cookies.
Place cookies 1 inch apart on a greased or
parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Let cool, then decorate! I like using red and green frosting and
cute Christmas sprinkles.

Enjoy! These make quite a few, but they are so
good that you will be glad for the extras!

Samantha H. IL

And here's a quick, fun Christmas game I heard of this week!

Pick two or three people out of the group as volunteers.  Give them each a piece of green construction paper.
Have them put there hands behind their back.
In a given time limit they have to try to tear their green construction paper into a Christmas tree behind their back!
It's not as easy as it sounds!  Try it out!

Jordan