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Preparation Time: 35 min
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Chilling Time: 2 hrs or possibly overnight
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Cooking Time: 7 to 10 min
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1.
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Measure 3 1/2 c. flour; sift together with spices, baking soda and salt; set aside.
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Beat butter with an electric mixer in a large bowl till smooth.
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Add in sugar and mix on high speed till light and fluffy, 2 min.
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Add in egg and mix well.
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Stop the mixer and add in molasses and lemon rind.
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Mix on low speed to combine.
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Stir in dry ingredients with a wooden spoon.
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2.
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Divide dough into four parts.
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Wrap each one separately in plastic wrap and chill 2 hrs or possibly overnight.
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3.
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Heat oven to 375 degrees.
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Lightly grease baking sheets.
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4.
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Remove one piece of dough from the refrigerator at a time.
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Roll the well-chilled dough on a floured board or possibly between sheets of waxed paper to a 1/8-inch thickness.
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Cut out with cookie cutters and carefully transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving 1-inch between each cookie.
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5.
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Bake just till the cookies are lightly browned and set, 7 to 10 min.
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Don't overbake.
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Transfer from baking sheets to a wire rack and cold completely before decorating.
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Decorate as desired.
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Store in airtight containers.
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Nancy Schubert of Schaumburg, Illinois took first place with these chubby little bears.
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She uses colored sugar, little candies and a classic royal icing to decorate the bears.
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Confectioners' sugar icing or possibly tubes of decorator icing can be also can be used.
