Ginger Cookies and "When Life Gives You Kids" Cookbook Giveaway

 

I love these soft and chewy ginger cookies.  I grew up with the crispy kind, and I do like those, too.  But there is something heavenly about a soft, chewy cookie... and ginger snaps are no exception!  This recipe is very similar to another one I make, but it uses butter instead of shortening which makes me entirely too happy!  And I don't know why I never thought of making gingerbread men with ginger cookie dough.  Let's be honest, does anyone really like true gingerbread?  Ginger cookies are so cute!  And so fun!  This recipe is part of the newest Lemon Poppy cookbook: "When Life Gives You Kids...  A Collection of Recipes for Life's Greatest Adventure!"  And it is jam packed with great recipes and ideas for kids of all ages.  My two year old is a big fan of Ali's and goes through her recipe book saying, "That look good!"  or "Mmmmm..." as he looks at each picture.  (If you want to see a preview of some of the recipes in the book, check out THIS post).  So if my little guy is any indication, these books should be a hit!  And a great gift for all the mothers in your life.  Visit www.lemonpoppycake.com to pick up one of these gems.

For the giveaway, leave a comment telling us what your favorite recipe for kids has been.  The winner will announced on Monday.  Good Luck!

Ginger Cookies
Submitted by Mindy ~ The Sisters Cafe
Recipe Source:  "When Life Gives You Kids" by Lemon Poppy

3/4 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar (for rolling cookie dough)

To make cookies: Cream butter and sugar.  Add egg and molasses and mix again.  In a separate bowl combine flour, ginger cinnamon, cloves, soda and salt.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.  Roll dough into 1 inch balls and then roll in sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.  These cookies will be soft and delicious.

To make a Gingerbread Man: Chill dough for at least one hour.  Roll out on a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick, and cut with cookie cutters.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes (the longer you bake, the crispier the cookies will be).  Decorate cookies with frosting, candy, sprinkles and licorice.  In order for the gingerbread men to run away here is what you need to do.  Lay the decorated gingerbread people on a cookie sheet and place in the oven (with the oven turned off).  All the kids must go outside and read the Gingerbread Man story.  One adult must stay in the kitchen to watch for ay escaping gingerbread people.  Once the story is over check the oven...