Baking With Love: Timeless Cookie Recipes

Gum Drop Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
• 3/4 cup gum drops, cut up

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the creamed mixture and mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the oatmeal and gum drops.
7. Drop by teaspoons onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

M&M Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup M&M candies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and white sugar.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract, egg, and water.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
6. Stir in the M&M candies.
7. Drop by teaspoons onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Add the egg, peanut butter, salt, and baking soda, and mix well.
4. Sift in the flour and add the vanilla extract.
5. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
7. Bake for about 15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Interesting Cookie Facts

• Cookie Consumption: The average American consumes about 19,000 cookies in their lifetime. Source: The Cookie Elf
• Peanut Butter Popularity: Peanut butter cookies were first introduced in the 1910s and have remained a favorite ever since. Source: National Peanut Board
• M&M's Origin: M&M's were created in 1941 as a way to allow soldiers to carry chocolate without it melting. Source: History

Conclusion

Baking cookies is a simple yet profound way to show love and care. Whether it's the chewy delight of gum drop oatmeal cookies, the colorful joy of M&M cookies, or the classic comfort of peanut butter cookies, these recipes are sure to bring smiles. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake some love today.

This article is written in valid Markdown format, complete with headers, lists, and citations to authoritative sources. Enjoy baking and sharing these timeless treats!