How many varieties of cookies have you baked in preparation for filling up cookie platters…and hungry mouths?!!?  So far, I have done four different types, and have two more in mind: Gluten Free Spritz cookies and Thumbprint Cookies. Can’t get much more traditional than those!

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are usually focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes. This week we are making Oatmeal Peanut Butter Drop Cookies. These yummy and easy cookies are gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free. They have the addition of some fruit as well as the great healthy benefits of walnuts and oats. You can include the add-ins that your loved ones enjoy such as chocolate chips, craisins, chopped walnuts, etc. (I would love to know what add-ins were chosen at your house!  Please let me know in the comments below!  Thanks!!!!)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoons baking soda
4+1/2 cups rolled oats
1+1/2 cups crunchy peanut butter
1/2 cup coconut oil, or butter
3/4 cups packed brown sugar
3/4 cup coconut sugar, or granulated sugar
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts optional (suggested!)

Directions:

• In a medium sized bowl, mix together the oats, baking soda, and dried cranberries; set aside.
• Using a stand mixer, cream the peanut butter, other ‘butter,’ and sugars together ‘til light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and also the vanilla. Mix to blend well.
• Slowly pour in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. By hand, stir in the chocolate chips, and walnuts (if including), too.
• Place in refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. Preheat the oven to 350.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the cookie batter and drop it onto lined cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until light golden brown and just getting firm. (If you enjoy your cookies a little on the softer side, underbake by one minute.)
• Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.

Note: this dough is sticky because of the peanut butter, so I strongly suggest using your hands as little as possible. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and simply dropping the dough is best!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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