Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

The next cookie I'm making for my Christmas Gift Cookie Project is Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Different than both a peanut butter or oatmeal cookie, these marry the best of both worlds. Deep peanut flavor, chewy oats and rich brown sugar make these really delicious.

I changed these up again and added 1/2 whole wheat, but you can certainly leave that out and make them with 100% all purpose flour instead. I'm getting serious use out of this baby, I tell ya!

I've gotten so many positive message, emails and comments regarding the idea of giving frozen cookie dough! I know that many of you are following along and will be giving these as gifts as well. I'm so pleased that so many people think it's a great idea :) I'm very excited to be giving such a unique and useful gift this year. It feels amazingly good to know that my recipients will be using and enjoying my gift long after the Holiday is over. Stick with me and at the end of this series, I'll have a really cute (and inexpensive!) way for you to package your cookie dough. I can't wait to share that with you!

I anticipate having all of my cookies frozen by the end of next week, fingers crossed, and then you can have a small stash of instant gifts hanging out in your freezer. A dozen or so cutely packaged is perfect for unexpected company that stops by with a gift, co-workers or anyone you need to give a little "something" to. Several dozen different varieties given in a basket or on a new cookies sheet (HOW CUTE!) would be great as a gift exchange item, for family and close friends or for anyone that might enjoy a little pick-me-up.

Christmas is the season to remember to bless people who might not ever say that they need it, so some homemade goodness will fit the bill. And since they will be ready and waiting you'll feel SO good about having a great gift to give at a moments notice, I promise!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
recipe found on Allrecipes.com here

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or use all all purpose)
1 cup oats

In a bowl, beat the shortening, butter, sugars and peanut butter until well combined. Mix in the eggs one at a time, just until blended. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Drop by tablespoon on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

To Freeze: To prepare for gift giving, scoop cookie dough out onto a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet. Freeze until completely solid and transfer to a zip top freezer bag. Label and stash in the freezer for later gift giving!

This recipe makes approx 4 dozen, so you may want to double it depending on how many gifts you are looking to give. Be on the lookout for the next cookie recipe, it's a REALLY yummy one!