Monster Cookies

Ok. I want you to listen, erm, read? very carefully. You know all the leftover Christmas candy that is sitting in your pantry/on your counter/at your desk/next to your  bed? (No? Not next to the bed? That's just me?) Ok, I want you to take all of that candy, m&ms, chocolate pieces, and put them all together on your counter. This is going to be the makeup of your next favorite cookie.

What did I have left in my house you might be wondering?

Christmas M&Ms, peanut butter chips, and dark chocolate bars. 

The best part about this recipe is you really can add anything to it. Did you make coconut macaroons and have leftover coconut with your chocolate chips? How about your cousin who loves heath bars, but only ate half the bowl. Seriously, if the flavors seems like that would taste good combined with peanut butter in your mouth all at once, throw them in this cookie. (Probably not good? Mint. I mean, maybe, you're welcome to try and let me know, but I'm going to guess not so tasty).

And there is a close up, so you can see the stuffed goodness that are Monster Cookies. I adapted the recipe from the queen of every good for you and calorie free, Paula Deen. Except I added more mix ins. 

Monster Cookies

3 eggs

1 1/4c light brown sugar

1c sugar

1/2t salt

1/2t vanilla

12oz (1 1/2c) creamy peanut butter

1 stick butter

1/2c M&Ms

1/2c chocolate chips

1/4c raisins (so optional)

2 tsp baking soda

4 1/2c oatmeal

Preheat oven to 350F

1. Mix eggs and sugars really well

2. Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and softened butter. Mix well again.

3. Stir in all your fillings (candy, choc. chips, etc), baking soda, and oatmeal.

4. Drop by the spoonful on a lined baking sheet (I'm also in love with my silpat mat)

5. bake 8-10 minutes

6. Let cool slightly on pan, then transfer to plate or onto wax paper on the counter.

Paula's recipe says you can use raisins. But, in my opinion, not needed. I mean, why add fruit when you can cut up a candy bar. I probably wouldn't add more than 2c total of "stuff", just to keep the integrity of the cookie.

The best part? Take these cookies to work. Then feel the satisfaction as you see all your christmas odds and ends get enjoyed while you keep your new years resolution for the second day in a row (woo!). Oh, you don't have an eating resolution like 55% percent of public school employees? (seriously, I was collecting data on it today). Good, then you can decide to make a batch of these in order to "warm up the kitchen" with the heat from the oven. Best winter baking excuse of all time.

L