Peanut Butter Bears

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Decorating gel or frosting, colors of your choice

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, peanut butter and brown sugar. Beat in the corn syrup and eggs. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-in. bear-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Roll leftover dough into small balls; press gently into each cookie, forming the bear's muzzle, nose and eyes.

Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool. Using gel or frosting, decorate each bear's face, paws and ears and form a bow tie. Makes about 3 dozen. .