I never got around to posting about Groundhog Day Cookies last year, although I did take some photos. So, this year, before I've even made a batch, I thought I would go ahead and post for those of you who may want to make these on Wednesday for Groundhog Day.
First, a little background. My dad was from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home of the groundhog. Not only is my Dad from Punxsy, but we can trace the Shermer family living in Punxsy back in 1848 where my great-great grandfather owned a shoe store. When I was a kid my mom made these cookies for us and we even had Groundhog Day parties some years. I still have the old napkins that my mom saved. I remember where they used to live in the dining room china cabinet and pulling them out every year. I love that I still have her cookie cutters and can carry on this tradition with my kids. If you'd like to order your own cookie cutter, click here.
I went to Punxsy a few times growing up. And we visited Punxsy Phil, the groundhog. He lives in the library and you can view him through a window from the outside. My last trip to Punxsy was Labor Day weekend 2009. We were living in Ohio and some of my cousins who I hadn't seen in many, many, MANY years were getting together for a reunion. Since this is the first time I've ever lived within decent driving distance, we made the trip. It was nice to see everyone again and revisit the Punxsy Camp, site of the last reunion I had attended around 18 years ago.
So in honor of my Punxsutawney heritage, I give you Groundhog Day cookies. :)
Cutting out the cookies.
Here are the little critters before heading into the oven.
Groundhog Cookies
from www.groundhogday.org
2 cups sifted flour (I did half whole wheat and half all-purpose, and threw in some flaxseed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup soft butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg yolk
1 egg, slightly beaten
Currants or raisins
Sift together first seven ingredients. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Blend in molasses and yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball.
Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill overnight, several nights or freeze. (I more than likely made this the same day I baked, so just chill for 1/2 and hour to an hour then proceed)
Place small amounts of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap, and cover with plastic wrap. Roll 1/8 inch thick. Cut out cookies with lightly floured cutter.
Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currants or raisin eyes. Repeat until all dough is used.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated 350-degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Makes 72 or more medium-sized groundhogs.
