Week One of Christmas Cookies: Holly Jolly Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

I can't say that I'm super-crazy about eating a bunch of cookies.  I may eat a few each week, but I find a greater joy in making them for others.  Something about Christmas makes me want to bake and look at the products in a pretty glass container, but not necessarily eat them... strange, huh?  Each year I make one type of Christmas cookie per week - this year I'm leaving a few at home each week, and then sending the rest to work with my husband for his employees to enjoy, or taking them to work for my coworkers.  I love that homemade cookies can bring a smile to other's faces.  I especially love that my little one can eat them now, and she sure does enjoy them too!
I found this great recipe last year - it is a Peter Pan Peanut Butter and M&M recipe.  Peanut butter is definitely one of my favorite things, but I liked the fact that they had oatmeal and chocolate too.  They are yummy and if you are truly a holiday cookie-eater, then you will love these!  Best dishes and yummy dreams!
xoxo,

Holly Jolly Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

1 c. all-purpose flour

2/3 c. rolled oats

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 c. peanut butter

1/2 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar, tightly packed

1/3 c. sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 tsp. vanilla

1 package of red and green M&M's

1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spread parchment paper on cookie sheets.

2.  Combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

3.  Blend peanut butter, butter, and both types of sugar with a hand mixer in a separate large bowl until smooth.

4.  Beat in egg and vanilla with the hand mixer.

5.  Gradually add the flour mixture and blend on low. 

6.  Stir in M&M's with a spoon.

7.  Roll mixture into 1 inch balls, place on a cookie sheet, and press down the dough with a fork.

8.  Bake for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.