1 c. butter
2/3 c. packed brown sugar
2/3 c. corn syrup or molasses
4 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Mini chocolate chips
Icing (optional)

In a saucepan combine butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Pour into large mixing bowl; cool 5 minutes. Mix flour, cinnamon, ginger, soda and cloves; set aside. Add egg and vanilla to butter mixture; mix well. Add flour mixture; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For each bear shape dough into one 1 inch ball, one 3/4 inch ball, six 1/2 inch balls, and five 1/4 inch balls. On ungreased cookie sheet, flatten the 1 inch ball to 1/2 inch thick for body. Attach the 3/4 inch ball for head and flatten to 1/2 inch thick. Attach the 1/2 inch balls for arms, legs and ears. Place 1/4 inch balls on top of arms, legs and head for paws and nose.

Press in mini chocolate chips for eyes and navel. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until done. Cool on wire rack. If desired, pipe on bow ties with icing. Makes 18 bears.