Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

After sharing the monster cookie recipe, a reader asked how to substitute peanut butter for a child who has a peanut allergy. Since peanut butter is such a big part of monster cookies, I have no idea how to make them without it. I'd probably just make a good oatmeal cookie and add chocolate chips and M&Ms.

I love oatmeal raisin cookies and have tried many recipes. This one, slightly adapted from Mennonite Girls Can Cook, is my current favorite. I know it sounds picky to use to different types of oats. You can do as you like but I've tried numerous variations and this combo is my favorite texture. These cookies are actually rather sweet, and I may further adapt them by decreasing the sugar.

Chewy Oatmeal Cookie

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup quick oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup raisins (you can use dark or golden raisins, craisins, currants, or a combo)

Beat butter and sugars. Add eggs and beat well. Add dry ingredients. Stir in raisins.
Place on baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Do not over bake.