Groundhog Day Cookies

Published January 21, 2013

Groundhog Cookies

Well it’s just around the corner. I like to celebrate this holiday by making up a batch of groundhog cookies. Not made from groundhogs, mind you, but shaped like them. The recipe comes from my dear friend, Cindy Kotula, whose late husband Mike was from Punxsutawney, P.A. She also gave me a groundhog shaped cookie cutter. Even if you don’t have one of those- I’d be surprised if you did- you can still make these wonderful ginger-snap cookies. Cookie cutters are available at some baking supply stores and online. They come out a lovely groundhog brown and are positively yummy. We enjoyed them today with lunch.

Spicy Groundhog Cookies

2 c. flour

2 t. cinnamon

1t. each ground ginger, ground cloves, ground allspice and baking powder

1/2 t. each baking soda and salt

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1/2 c. molasses

1 egg yolk

Sift dry ingredients together and set aside. Beat sugar and butter until smooth and stir in molasses and egg yolk. Stir in dry ingredients and chill dough at least an hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough 1/8-inch thick on lightly sugared surface. Cut out with cookie cutter and place cookies on greased baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from baking sheet. Makes 12-15 large groundhogs or 3-4 dozen small ones.

Note: I have the small groundhog cookie cutter- you can borrow it if you promise to return it promptly.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Cookie and the cutter

A tray full of groundhogs