ORLANDO, Fla. — Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery in Orlando is keeping the holiday indulgence going strong with their featured Santa’s White Christmas float and Gingerbread cookie.

The mom-and-pop shop opened in 1971. Tricia Hage says she always wanted to run a dessert shop and jumped at the chance when Charlie’s went up for sale a few years ago.

Charlie’s is all about its baked goods and award-winning hand-crafted ice cream.

If you’re still in the baking spirit, try your hand at these two sweet treats.

Gingerbread Men Cookie (Makes 100)

Ingredients:

• 1lb Softened Butter

• 14oz Brown Sugar

• 4 Eggs

• 1 lb 6 oz Molasses

• 3 lbs 4 oz Bread Flour

• 2 tsp Baking Soda

• 1 tsp Baking Powder

• 3 tbsp Cinnamon

• 2 tbsp Ginger

• 2 tsp Nutmeg

• 2 tsp Cloves

• 3 tsp Salt

Directions:

In a 20 quart mixer fitted with a paddle, mix butter and sugar together. Then add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated. Add molasses, and scrape down the bowl.

Then add all the dry ingredients, mix just until it starts to resemble cookie dough. Refrigerate before using. Roll out dough on a flat surface. Make sure and use bread flour liberally so the dough does not stick to the table.

Use gingerbread cookie cutter to cut out men, place cookies on parchment paper and use a silicone brush to apply egg wash to the top. If using chocolate chips, place chips where desired and bake. If using icing to decorate, use egg wash, bake cookies, let them cool and decorate as desired.

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.

Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery Super-Premium Ice Cream Float

Quick and easy. It is made with just two ingredients and ready in minutes.

How to Make Classic Ice Cream Soda Float:

1: Add a scoop of vanilla or your favorite ice cream flavor to the bottom of a tall drinking glass.

2: Pour the Cola over the top of the ice cream. Insert a straw and enjoy.

There are unlimited recipe variations. Charlie’s has a holiday favorite, and it’s a cream soda/coffee float.

Use craft cream soda and 2-3 scoops of coffee ice cream, like their Santa’s White Christmas ice cream.