My daughter loves to go through my cookbooks.
My BFF, Beth, gave me a fabulous cupcake cookbook for my birthday last year and my daughter immediately claimed the book as her own (partially because the cover was pink). It now sits on her bookshelf alongside the other best loved books and bedtime stories. One night, she actually chose that book for my husband to read and he actually made up a story about a little cupcake and it's adventures. It was quite riveting and incredibly heartwarming.
We thought we would make some cookies for a playdate she had this afternoon with her BFF. She opened up the cupboard that houses the plethora of cookbooks and choose carefully, but wisely. Monster Cookies was the winner.
These cookies are huge and definitely live up to the title of the cookbook. As she skimmed her little fingers through the pages, she chose the Super Chocolate M&M Cookies.
These gorgeous mounds of heaven have a little something for everyone. Chocolate. M&Ms. Raisins. Peanuts.
Mmmm. Mama like.
SUPER CHOCOLATE M&M COOKIES
Recipe adapted from the Monster Cookies Cookbook
2 cups all purpose flour
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened at room temperature
½ cup shortening
1 ⅓ cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup M&Ms or candy coated chocolate pieces
1 cup raisins
¾ cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl; set aside.
Beat butter, shortening & brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Stir in candy, raisins, and peanuts.
Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto ungreased baking sheet. I like to use silicone mats whenever I bake. Space 3 inches apart and flatten slightly.
Bake cookies 13 to 15 minutes. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets and transfer to wire rack. Cool completely.
Yield: 18 to 20 4-inch cookies
Happy Baking!