TEDDY BEAR COOKIES

FOR THE COOKIES

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

3/4 cup molasses

FOR THE FILLING

3/4 cup apple butter

FOR THE DECORATIONS

8 ounces semi sweet chocolate, melted

24 red candy coated chocolates

SPECIAL AIDS

piping bag or plastic bag with tip cut off

MAKES 1 DOZEN FILLED OR 2 DOZEN FLAT COOKIES

MAKIGN THE COOKIES

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on low speed, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy; add molasses. On low speed, gradually beat in flour mixture until a soft dough forms.

Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 baking sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough half to a 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 24 bear heads and transfer 12 of them to prepared baking sheets.

ASSEMBLING THE COOKIES

Place 1 tablespoon of apple butter in center kof each cookie on the baking sheets; brush edges with water. Top with remaining cookies.

Using a fork, seal cookie edges.

Bake cookies until they are dark golden brown, about 8 -12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack tko cool.

To decorate, fill pastry bag with melted chocolate. Pipe eyes and a short line.. Add extra dab of chocolate at top of line; attach red candy for nose.

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