Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine sugar, molasses, and softened butter. Mix until smooth. Add hot water and mix.
Mix in egg. Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
Roll a tablespoon sized scoop of dough into a ball. Use this for the teddy bear bodies.
Roll a tablespoon sized scoop of dough into a ball. Break in half and roll each piece into a ball. Use the smaller balls for the teddy bear heads.
Roll a tablespoon sized scoop of dough into a ball. Break into 8 small sections. Roll each section into balls. Use these small balls for the ears and feet.
Roll a tablespoon sized scoop of dough into a ball. Break into 16 tiny sections. Roll each section into balls. Use these tiny balls for the noses.
GENTLY press a red hots candy into the center of the teddy bear body before baking. You don't need to press down far, just enough so that it sticks.
Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
Video
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.