Star Gingerbread Cookie Tree

This adorable gingerbread tree is almost too cute to eat. You can make a few as centerpieces, and eat them as Christmas week approaches!

- Sizza

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiery-phoenix/8126228963/

• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• star cookie cutters (in multiple sizes)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg yolk. Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg; blend into the molasses mixture until smooth. Cover, and chill for at least one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Use star cookie cutters to make sets of 3 large, 3 medium, and 3 small stars. 
3. Using small circle shape, cut 2" circles as well.
4. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.
6. Decorate with white frosting and edible sparkles 
7. Using largest stars at the base, and twisting as  you go "up", stack stars with one circle cookie in between to give it height.