Secret Santa- Week #1

It is that time of year again and I feel like being a little crafty with my Secret Santa gifts this year. I decided to bake my special person some cookies and put them in a nice holiday tin. I left them by her office door so they would greet her when she arrived to work. Not a bad way to start out the day. I hope she likes them. I adapted the recipe from Paula Deen.


Kitchen Sink Cookies

Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup lightly chopped peanuts
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies, optional (M&Ms)
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

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

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to turn your pan halfway through to get an even brown cookie. Do not over bake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool (put parchment paper on your cooling racks too to keep the cookies from sticky to them). When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.