How do you resurrect a blog you haven't posted to for a year? Well, I assume you just start posting again. So here we go!

I didn't do as much Christmas baking this year as usual, but I did make 2 new cookie recipes which were both a hit and will be made again. These Monster Cookies were super easy to make and the dough froze beautifully for a great make-ahead option. Since JR is obsessed with peanut butter, I decided to throw in some peanut butter chips. I think these would also be great with some salty pretzel bits thrown in to balance out the sweetness.

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 8 Tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter ships
• 1 cup plain M&M's 

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookies sheets with parchment paper, or spray cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray.

In standing mixer with paddle attachment, cream the peanut butter, butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Add oats and baking soda, and mix until well combined. Add chips and M&M's, and stir until well combined.

Drop the cookies by tablespoonfuls (I use a tablespoon size cookie scoop) onto prepared cookie sheets. (Note: I dropped cookies onto wax paper lined cookie sheets and froze them for a couple weeks before baking).

Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheets then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

Source: Slightly adapted from Recipe Girl