Description
I want to live a world with warm homemade cookies. But not in a world where cookies vie for domination shouting, “More, more, you must eat more!” The secret is making a big batch of cookie dough and then freezing it into logs. That way you can slice and bake the right number of cookies and serve them warm. Freezing the dough in no way compromises the flavor or texture of the cookies. In fact, I believe it enhances it.
Ingredients
- 5 cups Oatmeal
- 4 cups Flour
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 cups Butter, Softened
- 2 cups Sugar
- 2 cups Brown Sugar
- 4 whole Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- 1 package 12-ounce Chocolate Chips
- 1 package 11-ounce M&M Baking Bits
Preparation
In a blender or food processor, gradually grind (chop!) the oatmeal into a coarse flour. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
Cream together butter and sugars in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Gradually add flour mixture. Add ground oatmeal, You may need to begin stirring by hand at this point. Add chips and m&m bits. Sometimes I just throw out the whole batch out onto the counter and knead it together by hand. It is a very stiff dough. (Stiff dough = soft cookies.)
At this point, if desired you can drop rounded spoons of dough onto cookie sheets and bake in a preheated 350ºF degree oven for 7–9 minutes until lightly browned.
Or, on a sheet of plastic wrap, form dough into 2-inch (approximately) diameter logs. Roll plastic wrap around dough and fold over ends. Place logs in a freezer bag and place in freezer.
When ready to bake, remove log from freezer. Do not thaw. Preheat oven to 350–F degrees. Unwrap log and slice into 1/2 to 3/4 inch sections. Place sections on cookie sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes (times will vary according to the size of your cookie) or until cookies are lightly browned and centers are barely set. Do not over-bake. Allow to rest for a minute or two before removing to a cooling rack or a plate to serve warm.
