Easy Christmas Cookies-How to Make Gingerbread Men and Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Author: Carrington Wells
Christmas is a time for giving presents, being with family, celebrating Jesus and eating.  While many of us spend much of our time shopping for the perfect Christmas gifts to give to our loved ones, sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy ourselves and those around us.
Baking around the holidays has become very popular for many of us.  It is a way to spend time with loved ones, while making a special treat to share.
One of the most loved cookies for centuries for children has been the gingerbread cookie. 
Below is an easy and yummy recipe for gingerbread men.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 molasses
1 egg yolk, unbeaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups plain flour, sifted
Directions:
Cream shortening and sugar together.  Add molasses and egg yolk.  Blend well.  Add salt, soda, baking powder and spices.  Slowly add sifted flour.  Roll out dough and cut with a gingerbread man cookie cutter.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
You and your family can decorate the gingerbread men with icing, sprinkles, and all sorts of different toppings.  My family even likes to make a few women.  After they are cool and decorated, hang them on the tree.  They make such a wonderful addition to a Christmas tree.
Obviously, keep some in the kitchen to eat or take to friends.  Watch out for the ones on the tree however, my children love to eat them right from the Christmas tree when I am not looking.
Another one of my favorite cookie recipes is for Eggnog Snickerdoodles. 
Many people love Eggnog during the holiday season.  It is rich in texture and makes a perfect drink for Christmas parties with friends and family.
Below is the recipe for Eggnog Snickerdoodles.
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon brandy extract
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cup flour
Directions;
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Combine margarine and sugar.  Add eggs, extracts, cinnamon, soda, and salt.  Blend well.  Stir in four, mixing thoroughly.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Roll in mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons colored sugar.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around edges.  Makes 48 cookies.
The Eggnog Snickerdoodles are sure to be a huge hit at your cookie exchange this holiday season.  They are fun and easy to make.