Loaded Cookies

A few weeks ago I had some rice krispie cereal hanging about that the kids decided they didn’t like anymore, and I remembered eating a chocolate chip cookie with rice krispies at some point in my childhood. I searched and found similar recipes online, but nothing that ticked all the boxes –  so I conjured up my own version!

When I told my mom about them, she said, “Whoa, those sound like loaded cookies!” and thus I had the name.

I’ve written this in US terms/UK terms, but as always, please email me if you have any questions. Bon appétit!

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.

Mix together

1 c. /240g unsalted butter

1 c./200g sugar/caster sugar

1 c./200g light brown sugar

until light and fluffy.

Add

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

and mix well.

In a separate bowl, blend

2 c./340g plain flour

1 teaspoon baking soda/bicarbonate of soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

Then, with the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients 

to the butter mixture.

Now for the magic:

Stir in

1 c./100g rolled oats/porridge oats

2 c./60g rice krispies cereal

1 c./80g flaked coconut/desiccated coconut (note: US-style flaked coconut works better in this recipe – try here for a UK source)

1 c./180g chocolate chips

being careful not to overmix or crush the cereal!

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with parchment. I use a small ice cream scoop for uniform size (and it looks proper professional!).

Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the baking sheets halfway through cooking. Transfer to wire racks to cool.

I don’t know where that last one went...

Happy baking!

Chrissie x

‘Twas the night before Christmas holiday...

...and all through the house

every creature was stirring except for this mouse.

The stockings were packed in the suitcase with care

in the hopes that BA would fly them swiftly through the air.

Bunny in her pyjamas, Little Flower sitting in her lap,

were reading a Christmas story while last-minute gifts mama wrapped.

Nordicware gingerbread cake tins

Gingerbread house cake with icing sugar snow!

When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter,

the girls sprang from their chair to see what was the matter.

When what to their weary eyes did appear

but mama smiling in the kitchen surrounded by gifts of good cheer.

She was dressed in her apron, surely not at this hour?

And her clothes were all tarnished with sugar and flour.

A spice-scented cookie she held delicately in her hand

and she grinned like a queen who ruled all the land.

“I’ve found it!” she cried. “What?” came the girls’ plea.

“At last I have found the perfect Christmas cookie recipe!

“I needed a recipe that was tasty and quick.

“And these fruitcake cookies were just the trick!”

Walnuts, raisins, cherries, figs...

“The ingredients make dough logs that I slice

“into cookies when needed, and they make 60 – quite nice!

“On my list I have so many handmade gifts

“that I’m glad to find a recipe that makes loads and is swift.”

Then a wink of her eye and a twist of her head

gave the little girls warning that it was soon time for bed.

She spoke not a word but went straight to her craft

and filled all the gift bags, tied them with ribbon, then laughed:

“Look at the bags and the jars balanced steady.

“There are so many presents, it looks like Santa’s been here already!”

While papa settled the girls in bed safe and sound,

mama packed up the goodies to deliver all round.

Early next morning they bundled the kids the car

and readied themselves for a Christmas afar.

And she was heard to exclaim as they drove out of sight:

“Happy Christmas to all, I hope we have a smooth flight!”

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year! 
Chrissie x