Hoping for better Christmas gifts this year?  Try putting out better cookies!  Here is a recipe guaranteed to keep the fat man singing your praises long into the New Year.  I modeled this cookie after a “Take 5” candy bar.  But then I got a little carried away, so it’s a Take 7 cookie.  And every bite is a new adventure.

Trish’s Take 7 Cookie

2 sticks softened, unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
chocolate chips
butterscotch chips
peanut butter chips
caramel bits
coconut
miniature marshmallows
pretzels, crushed

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a small bowl, sift together flour and baking soda.

Using a stand or hand mixer, mix together butter, sugars and salt.  Once combined, turn speed to medium high and whip until light and fluffy (around 5 minutes).  Turn speed to medium low and mix in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl after each addition.  Mix in vanilla.  Turn speed to low and stir in flour/baking soda, a little at a time until mixture is fully combined.

In a small bowl, place 6 each of the baking chips/bits and marshmallow, a pinch of coconut and a pinch of crushed pretzels.  Form cookie dough into 2 tablespoon balls, flatten, place the chips/bits/coconut/pretzel mixture in the middle of the cookie, then reform cookie into a ball.  Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Repeat with the rest of the cookie dough.  Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottom edges and top lumps start to brown.  Remove from oven.  Let rest at least 10 minutes before eating unless your mouth is made of Kevlar.

Makes one dozen large cookies.

Eat Well!

~Trish