Holiday Gingerbread Bears

1. 1

   Cover 4 cookie sheets with lightly greased waxed paper; set aside.

2. 2

   Combine sugar, honey, and butter in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; add lemon rind and juice, mixing well. Cool to room temperature.

3. 3

   Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and spices; stir well. Add 2 cups flour mixture, egg, and egg yolk to cooled honey mixture; mix well. Gradually add remaining flour mixture, mixing well. With floured hands, shape dough into a ball, and knead 4 to 5 times on a lightly floured surface.

4. 4

   Divide dough into fourths. Place one fourth on a prepared cookie sheet. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness, covering entire cookie sheet. Arrange paper patterns for 1 large, 2 medium, or 6 small gingerbread bears over rolled dough. Cut around patterns with the tip of a knife. Peel away excess dough; combine with remaining dough. Repeat procedure.

5. 5

   Bake at 325u00b0 for 20 minutes or until firm and golden brown. Remove from oven; carefully slip a spatula under cookies to loosen. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheets. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

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