Everything Cookies- And I mean Everything

Every once in a while I get the urge to purge our pantry.  When I lived in Omaha with 4 other girls this was a BIG event.  Now that I just live with one roommate the pantry purge is not as exciting but still necessary. In an effort to not waste crumbs (or the last 1/4 cup of 9 different kinds of cereal) I started baking this into a cookie.  These cookies have been affectionately named EVERYthing Cookies and always get rave reviews even though no one ever knows what they are eating.

The base recipe is Paula Deen's (I know- this is not healthy) Monster Cookie Recipe.  However, see my notes at the bottom for other ingredient ideas.  You can essentially just wing it.

Couldn't help myself...

EVERYthing Cookies

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins, optional
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Notes: other things I like to add broken pretzels, stale graham crackers, any type of cereal, any type of dried fruit, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, hot chocolate mix, peanuts, walnuts, coconut, nutella, to name a few.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. (just eyeball it) Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.