Quick and Easy Cookies for Non-Bakers

For those of you that can't bake your way out of a wet paper sack don't worry. With 2 small children and so much to do I barely have time to breath at times, I came up with some short cuts to making tasty cookies for Christmas or anytime. I am going to show you how to take packaged ingredients and add to them for a little pizzazz and personalization.

Do you like peanut butter and jelly? Do you have kids that love it as well? Try this easy recipe for making peanut butter and jelly cookies:

Ingredients
1 Package of Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix (or similar brand)
1 Squeezie container of Grape Jam (not jelly)


Instructions
-Mix together cookie dough by following directions on package.
-Form round ball of dough in hand and make indentation in middle of dough with thumb.
-Squeeze small amount of jam into indentation.
-Cover jam with small piece of dough and smooth and roll into a ball.
-Place on cookie sheet and bake as directed on package.

The great part about this recipe, besides being quick, was that my 3 year old could help make them as well so they are very easy. Make sure you don't over fill the dough ball or you may get "loss of filling". My son swears they taste like PBandJ's, and that's all that matters in the end.



The next recipe is equally as easy. Who doesn't like sugar cookies? Most of the time they are so tedious to make. You have to chill the dough, roll it, use cookie cutter, and even decorate them. Well why make "normal" sugar cookies? Let's make like Emeril and "kick it up a notch". Feel free to take my recipe example and add in your own favorites.

Ingredients
1 Package of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix (or similar brand)
¼ Cup Heath toffee bits (found near the chocolate chips)
10 Snickers miniatures, chopped (or more, depending on preference)



Instructions
-Place Snickers miniatures in freezer while mixing dough for cookies.
-Mix together cookie dough by following directions on package.
-Place dough in refrigerator and remove Snickers miniatures from freezer.
-Chop miniatures, place in bowl with ¼ cup toffee bits.
-Remove chilled cookie dough and gently mix in candy pieces.
-Form teaspoon sized balls and place on cookie sheet.
-Bake and cool as directed.



The sugar cookie recipe may actually be even better if you use butter cookies, but they do not make pre-made butter cookie dough, not that I could find anyway. But, there are so many things you can make from pre-packaged cookie dough, and other dough as well. Grab a packet of oatmeal cookie mix and add raisins and/or walnuts. Go crazy and make an "everything" kind of cookie by using oatmeal mix and adding raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, and candy pieces such as M & M's. If you or someone you know likes thumbprint cookies then try the sugar cookie mix (chilled), make thumbprint, fill with your favorite jam, and bake. You may have to alter the mix on this one by adding a couple extra tablespoons of flour so the cookie will keep its form while holding the jam during baking.

Another great thing about the quick cookie mixes is that you can put the dry ingredients in a jar, make a label, decorate it, add on baking instructions, and it's a quick yet cute little present. I have not tried any of the recipes or ideas with already made refrigerated dough such as Pillsbury, but there is really no reason why it wouldn't work just as well and that would save you yet another step! I think I may have thought of another concoction by using refrigerated dough. I'll have to try taking sugar cookie dough and adding white chocolate chips or chunks with macadamia nuts. Yummy. I bet you could even take the chocolate chip dough, add in some of your favorite flavors and make some really tasty biscotti. Just make sure you remember to bake it twice!

So this holiday season, roll up your sleeves and dive into some great cookie and confectionary baking. Make them for yourself, your family, and even friends or co-workers. They will never need to know you "cheated". Your secret is safe with me!