Cookies

I like to make cookies, but I'm not big into cutting things out, frosting things or making anything that really requires a lot of labor. I usually make a batch or two of frosted sugar cookies each year and about halfway through the project, I remember why I don't like to make those type of cookies. I prefer the drop-and-bake style of cookies.

Here are two recipes for fairly simple cookies. I've made the Snicker Surprises a couple of times and they are easy to make and usually good for a cookie exchange or gifts. The Monster Cookies are new to me this year. I used this recipe and they came out tasting pretty good, but I have to admit the batter was a little odd, very dry. So much oatmeal...I might cut back in the future. If I could find another recipe for this type of cookie, I might try it instead but this one is definitely passable.

Snickers Surprises

2 sticks butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 package Snickers Miniatures (13 ounces)

Combine the butter, peanut butter and sugars using a mixer on a medium to low speed until light and fluffy.

Slowly add eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Then mix in flour, salt and baking soda. Cover and chill dough for 2 to 3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Unwrap all Snickers. Remove dough from refrigerator. Shape about 1 tablespoon of dough around each candy. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Baking time may need to be adjusted if using more than 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.

Let cookies cool on baking rack.

Monster Cookies

3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies (M&M's)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup raisins
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In large mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter and butter. Mix well. Stir in chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, baking soda and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 three minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.