Simple School Treats

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 May 2009 01:47 PM

The end of the school year is in sight, which means preparations for class parties are well underway. For parents, this means whipping up kid-friendly treats or digging deep to pay for enough goodies for the entire class (or classes, depending on how many children you have). I prefer the former. Not only is it more economical to make homemade treats in bulk, but also, you can tinker with the recipe to accommodate kids with certain food allergies.

The following simple recipes are affordable, easy to prepare, and loved by kids of all ages:

OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

8 ounces butter, unsalted, softened

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cups old fashion oats (not instant)

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat butter with sugars until light and fluffy. Add in egg, one at a time. Once combined add vanilla.

In a separate bowl mix together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon.

Add flour mixture to butter and mix well.

Fold in oats and chocolate chips.

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to cool.

SUPER SIMPLE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat together all the ingredients.

Drop dough onto baking sheets. Press with a fork.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely before serving.

JAZZY PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN

Ingredients:

1/4 cup popcorn kernels

Vegetable oil

Salt

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

6 ounces white chocolate, melted

Directions:

Get out an oversized mixing bowl.

Heat a large heavy pan over medium heat and coat the bottom with vegetable oil.

Add the popcorn, shake to distribute, then put a lid on the pan. Leave a small crack for steam to escape. When the popcorn starts popping, shake vigorously to make sure the kernels pop evenly. When the popping slows, take the pan off the heat.

Pour the popcorn into the bowl to cool. Lightly salt the popcorn to taste.

Mix the honey and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for a couple minutes, then remove from the heat and add the peanut butter. Stir vigorously until all the peanut butter is melted, and then add the vanilla.

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and stir with a long-handled wooden spoon until it's evenly coated.

Pour onto a greased cookie sheet. Drizzle with white chocolate.

Allow to cool before serving.

Related Articles:

Baked Goods

Chocolate Treats

Ways to Use Extra Girl Scout Cookies

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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