Recipe for Gingerbread Family Kit

Give the gift of hassle-free fun with these gingerbread family kits. You do the least exciting part (baking the cookies), and let your recipients do the decorating. Package the cookies (one for each member of the family, and don't forget pets) with small candies and decorating gels.

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Start to finish: 3 hours (1 hour active)

Makes about twenty 5-inch cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

2/3 cup molasses

Candies and tubes of frosting to decorate

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside.

In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and molasses and beat until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating until incorporated.

Divide dough into four pieces and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

One at a time, on a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to 1/4 inch thick. Using cookie cutters of people and pets, cut out gingerbread cookies. Combine scraps and cut additional cookies.

Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet, placing them about an inch apart. Bake 8 to 12 minutes, or until just lightly brown at the edges.

Cool cookies on baking sheet for 1 minute, then remove to wire racks to cook completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

To assemble the kit, line a 9-inch square plastic container with tissue paper. Add enough undecorated cookies for each family member receiving the gift. Add candies and string licorice for decorating the cookies and a tube or two of frosting.

(Adapted from the editors of FamilyFun magazine)