Red-Bellied Bears recipe

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice
3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Red decorator sugar crystals
Red cinnamon candies

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft and creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg, molasses, and orange juice, beating well.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Divide dough into thirds; roll each portion to 1/4-inch thickness on lightly greased cookie sheets. Cut cookies close together with a 3 1/2-inch bear-shape cookie cutter. Remove excess dough from cookie sheets. Decorate with sugar crystals and candies. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Makes 3 dozen.