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Happy New Year! I hope you are all having an incredible start to 2013.
First, I’d like to say thank you to all of you that have taken time out of your hectic holiday schedules to contact me via email or Facebook – your kind words truly brought joy to my Christmas.
Many of the emails were questioning my absence here on MBA for the past few weeks. Simply put, I needed a break. I have undergone a few changes in my personal life and things just got a bit too overwhelming for me.
Despite the fact that I missed blogging in the worst way during my hiatus, I feel refreshed, rested and ready to bake up a storm.
The first recipe I’ll be sharing with you are for Monster Cookies. My mom and I whipped these together over the holidays and I happened to snap a few photos of them in a makeshift studio on her patio.
If you’re anything like me, you need to ease back into regular life with a little comfort thrown in after the stress of the holidays. Monster Cookies are exactly that kind of comfort. Will they set the world on fire? Probably not. But at the end of the day, with a cup of decaf tea and Revenge on a Sunday night, they help remind me that everything is just fine.
Besides, what’s not to love about Monster Cookies? Oatmeal, candy, raisins.. you name it, this cookie’s got it. Sometimes going old-school is exactly what you need to get you back into the groove.
I missed you guys.
[pinit]
Monster Cookies
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 12-ounce jar crunchy peanut butter
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup M&M's
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a an extra large bowl with an electric mixer, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe adapted from Paula Deen via Food Network
All images and text ©Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!
Welcome back – I hope everything is ok! These monster cookies look fantastic – they might be my favorite type of cookie ever :)
These are one of my most favorite cookies EVER!! Love them and I’m so glad you are back :)
Thank, Jaime, for all that you do for everyone. I’ve only been reading your blog for the past few months but enjoy looking at your beautiful photos and making your delicious creations of love. You obviously have great passion and creativity. I’m glad to hear that you took take of yourself to catch a breather and feel fresh again! I missed your emails, they always brightened my day. BTW, everyone loved your S’mores cookies and I made amazing vanilla extract for Christmas gifts thanks to your recipe. Thanks for sharing and spreading your energy and knowledge!
I have adored and used your blog like Google searching for great tasty ideas time after time. As a teacher myself, I often wonder how you keep up! Glad you were able to rest!
Happy New Year! Sometimes we need a break to recharge. The cookies look delish.
Yum! Love how you used crunchy peanut butter. Welcome back!!!
Im with ya on that one! I took a break myself and Im back and at it tomorrow :) It is really good to take a break here and there. Welcome back! These cookies look gorgeous!
Hey Queenie, Glad you are back, even Momma missed your blog….. Enjoyed the time we all share together with each other during the holiday season… And the only thing you need to remember is that Momma, Daddy, and Jared will always have your back…..We love you more than words could ever say..xxxxxoooooo
Glad to see you back! Hope all is well. I tell everyone you are my favorite baker! Just don’t overwhelm yourself right away. A cookie here and there, or cupcake once in a while is fine!
We missed you too! Welcome back! Those cookies look seriously, seriously good, and I will most certainly be making them this weekend–I already have everything on hand! Yes!! :)