If you’re looking for a post-holiday cookie fix, this recipe will knock your fuzzy winter socks off. I first discovered these treats many years ago when Paula Deen made them on her cooking show. I ran out to purchase the ingredients before the episode concluded, and this has been a staple in my home and a guest favorite ever since.
This colorful kitchen-sink snack is full of whole oats, creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate chips, sweet MnMs and tart cranberries. There is surely at least one component that appeals to everyone, and the combination as a whole is decadent, exciting and will literally have you caught with your hand in the cookie jar! The recipe, courtesy of Paula Deen, is as follows:
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup MnMs
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional (I use Craisins)
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 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 MnMs, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. I use an ice cream scoop to ensure an even distribution of the batter.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. Comment on this blog about how much you love them.
That’s so Jenn’s Twist: I substitute raisins for Ocean Spray Craisins (sweetened dried cranberries) as a matter of preference. You can even experiment with their pomegranate or cherry infused versions. When HERSHEY’S Kissables still existed I added those, so feel free to throw something else of your liking into the mix such as dark chocolate chunks for even more flavor insanity.
Although Paula Deen wouldn’t approve, I make these without butter for my vegan mother and they are still delicious, and will save you some calories if you’re in New Years resolution mode. On the contrary, if you’re feeling really wild, try them in the deep fryer. OMG.
5 Comments
how cool, I would never think to make these without the butter! Something I’m definitely going to have to try for my NYE vegan resolution 🙂
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