Monster Cookies

We try to keep Christmas simple and meaningful. But one thing we can't skip is the cookie baking. We love cookies all year round but at Christmas time it is fun to have lots of variety for quick gift giving and hospitality.

I remember many times, my dad coming into the house and asking mom if she had something to give a neighbor, or the milk man, or someone else that had happened by. Mom always was able to find a loaf of homemade bread, plate of cookies or box of homemade candy to wrap up with a bow. I love the example of impromptu sharing and want to be prepared to do the same.

I'm hoping to share some favorite simple cookie recipes. Don't look for anything fancy, just homemade yumminess.

We always made monster cookies at Thanksgiving just in time for deer hunting season. Ed isn't real big on hunting but he likes the monster cookie tradition! The original recipe makes a huge amount. I often make only half and included this smaller batch recipe at the end. Traditionally the cookies are made very large (monster size) but I make them normal size.

Monster Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
3 cup peanut butter
2 cup sugar
2 cup brown sugar
Cream butters and sugars together.

6 eggs
Mix well.

9 cup quick oatmeal
4 tsp baking soda
Mix well.

1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 1/2 cup M&Ms
Stir in.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

If you don't have a large mixer, the last ingredients will need to be stirred in by hand in a large dish pan. Or you can divide the recipe in half.

Monster Cookies - Small Batch

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
Cream butters and sugars together.

3 eggs
Mix well.

4 1/2 cup quick oatmeal
2 tsp baking soda
Mix well.

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup M&Ms
Stir in.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.