Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

I ran out of cookies.

It's a sad day when that happens!

I went ahead and made a new favorite of mine, realizing I never shared this recipe with you!

Reasons they are a favorite? 

They have peanut butter in them, and chocolate chips too!

All with no butter, less sugar and egg whites.  These are definitely a healthier cookie.  (Which I am into right now.)

These cookies are very light, soft and cake-like!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

*½ cup granulated sugar

*½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup water

¼ cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large egg whites

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

*2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini chips

Directions: 

·         Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

·         Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with mixer at medium speed until smooth.

·         Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.

·         Add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined.

·         Stir in mini chips.

·         Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on baking sheets (lined with silicone baking liner).

·         Bake for 12 minutes or until golden.

·         Cool on a wire rack.

* Original recipe calls for 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar.  It also calls for only all-purpose flour but I always like to add some whole wheat flour in too!

Source:  slightly adapted from Cooking Light, December 2008

Enjoy your weekend!

red velvet

Ah, Friday.

I had every intention of relaxing tonight with a brownie in hand and a movie to watch.

I got as far as brownies.

I can't believe how fast this night flew!

At least I got my red velvet on tonight.

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Abby on Pinterest

Thank you, yet again, to Pinterest for the idea.

My picture looks like crud compared to the one above.  But, I felt the need to post a pic of mine so you know that I really did make them!

Ha.

I only ate one of the brownies pictured, in case you were wondering how much of a pig I really am.

Actually, I know how to put down some sweets.  It's rare I only eat one of anything with sugar in it.  But, brownies can be killer!  They hit my belly like a ton of bricks.  Especially real brownies.

These are no exception.  Rich, gooey, cream cheesy (a word, right?) and red velvety (another word, yes?)

No recipe here...I have no time (or desire) to post it.  Visit my Pinterest or Sweet Pea's Kitchen for the recipe, if up for the challenge.  Can you eat more than one in a sitting?  I bet not!

Happy weekend, all!

dare I say it?

I'm starting to get "baked" out of my mind!

Ha ha.

I love baking.  Love it.

But, the holidays kick my butt!

Yesterday I was at it again...

I baked Chocolate Crinkles (a gazillion of them)! 

I love this classic cookie.  (I remember my mom making them some holidays.)  They are soft, chewy, chocolatey and pretty too!  I always double the recipe and freeze these cookies. 

I'm going to be sharing these babies with my family and a few others, too.  I use the Betty Crocker recipe.  And I always refrigerate the dough about 8 hours (or overnight).

And, I also...

made Pretzel Turtles (using Rolo's).  EASY, and yummy!

Last year was the first year I made them.  They were a big hit with my friends and family.  I got the recipe off of Allrecipes.

And this year I have seen it floating around Pinterest too...

Source: glorioustreats.blogspot.com via Abby on Pinterest

I was inspired to make them again!

If you haven't made these before...definitely give them a try.  Besides tasting good, they really make a fun and easy gift.  It's a homemade candy (sort of), but without a lot of fuss (and thermometers, blech!).

Cookie sheet, Parchment paper, pretzels, Rolo's and pecan halves.  That's all you need.

I cook mine at 300 degrees.

In 4 minutes...you get this gooey deliciousness.  (The pecan goes on after you cook the chocolate!)

I put the whole sheet in the refrigerator, so they harden fast.

After they harden, you can package them up pretty to serve in your home or gift them away!

I also store mine in the fridge, but I don't think you have to.

A chocolate day, indeed!

Oh yeah.

****************************

Remember the "Dough Down" cookie contest I was telling you about?  If not, read it here (and scroll to the bottom of the post, if you don't want to be bored with my talk!)

I will be posting about the experience soon...so stay tuned!

Yes, another cookie.