Teddy Bear Cookies

Teddy Bear Cookies: Make your own Huggable Teddy Bear cookies!  Great for a rainy bear day, a teddy bear birthday or tea party or anytime you want to put a smile on your face and some yum in your tummy.


Some decorating ideas: 
Here are a few topping ideas once you've iced your teddy bear cookies (though the possibilities are endless!) :
  • colored sugars or sprinkles
  • chocolate and butterscotch chips
  • cherry slices
  • gummy bears
  • food coloring
  • pretzel pieces
  • licorice pieces
  • coconut
  • Slivered almonds or pecans
Ingredients:
1 Cup butter, softened
2 Cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
5 cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup milk

Icing:
1 cup butter, very soft
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioners sugar
Splash of milk


Directions:

In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture. Mix in milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into teddy bear shapes using a teddy bear cookie cutter. If you don’t have one, print and cut out the outline below. Trace the bear on your dough and cut gently with a knife. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in a preheated oven for 6 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in a splash of milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate. Spread icing on top of cookies.