Gingerbread boy shaped treats are a staple of the holiday season. From gingerbread boy shaped brownies and cakes to cinnamon scented soaps, this lovable holiday icon brings smiles and cozy cheer to everyone.

This trusty recipe for Sweet Molasses Boys taken from the book Spirit of Christmas is both fun and easy to make as it doesn't contain ground ginger and numerous spices. These fragrant, yummy cookies can be individually wrapped in clear printed cello and given away as little treats to guests who drop in during the holidays.  

You can find cute packaging supplies from Crafting Bug   Cute Cups and Cinderella's Gift Shop-  all wonderful kawaii themed shops from ETSY. Happy baking!

Recipe after the jump.
Sweet Molasses Boys

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Raisins cut on half
• Granulated sugar for dusting (optional) 

Directions: 

In a large bowl cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg, molasses and vanilla; beat until smooth. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture; stir until soft dough form. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 2 hours until firm.

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. On a lightly floured surface use a floured rolling pin to roll out half of the dough to 1/4 inc thickness. Use 41/4 x 51/4 inch gingerbread boy shaped cookie cutter. Transfer to a greased baking sheet. Press raisin cut in half eye.  Sprinkle cookies with granulated sugar.Bake 8-10 minutes until bottom are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.