Child's Choice Cookies

Originally, this recipe was going to be my very first post. I was going to make these cookies as my tribute to the Sandy Hook victims, but with Christmas quickly approaching, I couldn't find the time to make them until today.

This recipe comes from a cookbook called Cooking for Kids, which I picked up at ROSS many years ago. ROSS is like a TJ Maxx or Marshall's for those of you who are not familiar with it.

This recipe goes against many things we all know about baking cookies. First of all, the recipe calls for shortening, instead of butter. Then, you beat the shortening into the dry ingredients, instead of creaming it with the sugar. Huh, what? Let's just say, my Keurig Coffee Maker is sitting on my counter right now with a fine coating of flour from the mess that created! And, greasing the cookie sheets? Most cookie recipes call for ungreased, of course. And, last but not least Maple flavoring.... I can honestly say this is a first for me. I've never used this ingredient before. No Vanilla extract to be found in this recipe.

These cookies are quite tasty! My husband and I liked them. They are crunchy on the outside, and chewy on the inside with a very strong Maple flavor. However, they're not my child's choice! My 4 year old daughter didn't care for them. I'm not sure if she didn't like the texture from the oats, or the maple flavor. Oh well, more for me!

Child's Choice Cookies

2 1/3 cup all purpose flour

1 butter flavor CRISCO stick or 1 cup butter flavor CRISCO all-vegetable shortening

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. maple flavoring

2 cups oats

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup peanut butter chips

3/4 cup mini marshmallows

cooking spray to grease baking sheet

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine flour, shortening, baking soda and baking powder in a large bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium. Mix thoroughly. Beat in granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and maple flavor. Add oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and mini marshmallows. Mix with a wooden spoon until well blended. Shape into 1 inch balls . Flatten slightly. Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Do not overbake. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely. 

The recipe makes appox. 4 1/2 dozen cookies. If you are following Weight Watchers, each cookie is 3 points plus.