Baking with Basil

What isn’t to love about a monster cookie?!?!  NOTHING….I tell you.  It’s got type of basic cookie all rolled into one BIG, delicious, satisfy every craving bite.  Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and M&M – all in one!  Genius!!

This past weekend we went up to Michigan for a little winter fun and I decided to make a batch of cookies to take with me.  My mom is a big fan of cookies and eats one just about every day.  How she makes one cookie last all day I will never understand.  It’s quite the gift she has.  She takes little bites throughout the day but hardly ever eats more than one.  One of her favorites are monster cookies. Being this is the first time I have made these cookies from scratch, I was a little scared to see what she would say.  But she LOVED them.  And not in a “oh you are my daughter so I have to say that” type of way…..but the whole family loved them!  They were raving about how good they are!!  Paula Deen you have done it once again.

The pink, white, and red M&M’s are so cute aren’t they??  I have a slight obsession with holiday inspired candy.  It all tastes the same but it’s so much more fun.  :)

Monster Cookies

Recipe from Paula Deen

Prep Time: 15min     Total Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal (not instant)
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins, optional

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or non stick baking mats.

In a very large bowl, combine eggs and sugars.  Mix well.  Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter.  Beat until well combined.  Stir in chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins (if using), baking soda, flour, and oatmeal.  Drop by 2 tablespoons full 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 12-14min or until edges start to brown.  Do not overbake.  Make sure to use 2 baking sheets when doing these.  The cookie sheet has to be completely cooled before placing next batch on.Let stand for 3min before transferring to wire racks to cool.