Crunchy Nut Cookies and GIVEAWAY - YOU Pick the Prize

Several weeks ago, I saw a recipe for Crunchy Nut Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies on Katrina's site, Baking and Boys. Well, with a name like that, how could I resist making them? Unfortunately, my grocery store didn't have the Crunchy Nut Cereal (if you want to know what this is, check out the link to Baking and Boys - Katrina has a pic of it). So, my plans fell by the wayside.

Then, this past week, I saw it and it was on SALE!!! Well, if that wasn't a sign I don't know what is. I gleefully bought a box and went off to my kitchen to satisfy my cookie craving.

The dough came together very easily. But, it did get very dense after adding the flour and the oatmeal. So, when it came time to add in the cereal and chocolate chips, I just went at it with my hands to get everything mixed in. When I baked the cookies, I followed Katrina's directions and let them bake for about 8-10 minutes, flattened them with a spatula, then let them continue baking for several minutes more.


The cookies come out with these lovely cracked tops. They were dense, chewy, and had a nice peanut butter flavor to them. The only change I would make is to omit the oatmeal and add more of the Crunchy Nut cereal in its place (I just love the flavor and crunch). But they were definitely delicious. I can't stop nibbling on them. I even sent a dozen of them to my sister. I'm sure she's going to love them too.

Crunchy Nut Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies (from Baking and Boys)

1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 Tbsp. milk
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. quick cooking oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. milk chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
1 c. Crunchy Nut Cereal

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and peanut butter. Once combined, beat in the sugar until well blended, about 2 min. Scrape sides of bowl. Add the egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and beat until smooth and well blended.

In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture and mix until almost combined. Fold in the oats and mix-ins just until combined. Chill the dough at least 60 min. (I forgot this step but it worked out just fine.)

Preheat oven to 350F. Scoop walnut sized balls of dough on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 min. (press down each cookie with the back of a spatula and then bake 2 more minutes). Remove from oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 min., then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now for the GIVEAWAY you've all been waiting for!!!

I can't believe I have over 400 followers. That is just incredible to me. So, to celebrate, I've decided to have a giveaway.

Recently, I won a $25 gift certificate for CSN. But, I'm going to use it to gift one of my lucky readers instead. At first, I tried to pick an item, but that was just too hard. So, I'm going to let YOU pick the prize instead. (the gift certificate is in my name so you tell me what item you want and I'll have it shipped to your house if you win)

The Rules: This giveaway is open to US residents only (due to shipping constraints). You MUST be a follower of my blog in order to enter. You MUST complete the mandatory entry first or all your other entries will be deleted.

The winner will be notified in an e-mail and will be announced here. Since my gift certificate expires on March 1, 2011, the winner will have only 48 hours to get back to me after he/she is notified, or a new winner will be chosen.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me in ONE comment (1) whether you are an old or new follower of my blog AND (2) what YOU would pick from CSN if you were the lucky winner. Remember that the TOTAL value (item + shipping) cannot be more than $25. If your e-mail address is not included in your Google profile, please make sure to include it in your comment so that I have a way to contact you.

Optional Entries:
1. Be an old or new follower on Facebook (in the sidebar) and tell me in a comment that you are. (1 entry)

2. Link up a sweet treat to last week's Sweets for a Saturday #4 or this coming week's Sweets for a Saturday #5 and tell me what you linked up. (1 entry per week)

3. Tell me what your favorite thing about my blog is. (1 entry)

4. Blog about the Sweets for a Saturday linky party and invite your readers to come by during the weekend and link up. Please include the link to your blog post in your comment. (3 entries - ex: I blogged #1, I blogged #2, I blogged #3)

This giveaway will be open from Feb. 14 until Sunday, Feb. 23 at 12:00 PM PST. Good luck!!!

This recipe is linked to:
It's a Valentine's Party
Meatless Mondays
Midnight Maniac's Meatless Mondays
Just Another Meatless Monday
Mouthwatering Monday
Homemaker Monday
Tasty Tuesdays
Hearth and Soul Hop
Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesdays
Tuesdays at the Table
Tuesday Twister
33 Shades of Green Tasty Tuesdays
Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays
Tuesday Night Supper Club
Rook No. 17
What's Cookin' Wednesday
Recipes I Can't Wait to Try
Full Plate Thursday
Let's Do Brunch