Christmas Cookies

Families have traditions. Some have lots of them and some don't think they have any. When you get married you can see what your family has and try to blend it with your better half. Sometimes it blends well, other times its a pain to plan the holidays. Luckily Kimmel and i don't have too big an issue since my family is in VA. This year due to our baby boy we are sticking around Texas for the holidays.

Its kind of fun thinking that we can create our own traditions and with the little one next year it will change things. I am a big fan of staying at our house and opening gifts and doing extended family either on the Eve or another day. Our tradition for my mom's side was to do christmas evening dinner with her mom and dad. I think that is brilliant cause after the morning of excitement its fun to see family and share the joy! 

The only tradition i have personally is my Molasses cookies that i make from scratch! A friend of mine gave me the recipe and its so fun to do it all from scratch! I will be making these soon and filling the house with that lovely smell! Don't know if you like them or not but i wanted to share the recipe! It warms the heart! 

We shall see how our family traditions mold into something just for us! Enjoy the cookies everyone! :) 

Soft Molasses Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening (not margarine)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs, lightly beaten

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

2 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, shortening, and sugar until light-colored and fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs; set mixture aside

In another large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Blend together thoroughly with a wire whisk. 

Gradually mix flour mixture into creamed ingredients until dough is blended and smooth. 

Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. 

Dip tops in granulated sugar; place 2 1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet 

Bake 350 for 11 mins

DO NOT OVER BAKE! 

Cool on wire rack. 

Store in tightly covered container to maintain softness