Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love the glow of the Christmas tree and the prelit garland. The true spirit of Christmas makes me happy. I love to give more than get.

Several years ago, the boys and I started making gingerbread boys and girls for our neighbors. I wanted a way for them to participate in giving a simple gift to our neighbors. Sometimes we make enough for the each member of the family and other times we make them for just the children.

We decorate the gingerbread people, let them dry and place them in treat bags. Then we tie a homemade gift card with the recipients name to the bag. The boys take them to the homes and wish each one a Merry Christmas.

I have found the easiest way to do this project is to make the gingerbread people one day and decorate another. This year since the boys are older I have allowed them to invite a friend to decorate them too. If you choose to do this make sure you have enough supplies for the friends to take some home and give away.

My favorite gingerbread cookie recipe-makes 8 dozen 3 inch cookies

6 cups of sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)
1 c dark brown sugar
4 tsp. ground ginger
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. finely ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c. unsulfured molasses

1. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder; set aside

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer use the paddle attachement, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt. Beat in eggs and molasses.

3. Add flour mixture; mix on low speed until thoroughly combined. Divide dough into thirds; wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 1 hr. Don’t chill too long or dough gets hard.

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a well floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch. Cut into desired shaps. Place on ungreased baking sheet and chill until firm. About 15 minutes. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp but not darkened. Cool on wire racks.

This recipe is from a cookie booklet I received with Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I have tried easier recipes, but none come out as good as these. Don’t miss a step for great cookies.