Decorate these butterscotch gingerbread cookies for the holidays or simply serve them plain with mugs of hot apple cider.

Gingerbread People

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1 (3.25-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding and pie filling
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger and cinnamon; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, dry pudding mix and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to pudding mixture, mixing well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until dough is firm.
5. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread people with 4-inch cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets.
6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove from baking sheets. Cool on wire racks.
7. Decorate as desired.

Makes 20 servings.