Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

I had one last bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Bells still languishing in the pantry after Christmas.  It was either sit down and devour the entire bag while reading a juicy novel or bake something the entire family could enjoy.  I decided the latter was a healthier option for me!  I found this fantastic recipe in Goodness Gracious, Recipes for Good Food and Gracious Living.

 Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups flour

1/3 cup cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking soda  - typo!

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup butter

3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 eggs

10 oz. peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

1 cup ( 6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.  In a large bowl, beat the butter, peanut butter, sugars, and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Add the eggs , one at a time, beating well after each addition until throroughly blended.  Stir in the dry ingredients until smooth. 

 Do you remember Linus's line in "It's The Great Pumpkin"?  "YOU DIDN'T TELL ME YOU WERE GOING TO KILL IT!"

That's what popped into my head when I began chopping up the cute little Christmas bells. 

Fold in the peanut butter cups and chocolate chips.  Spoon 2 tablespoons dough (Pampered Chef large cookie scoop is perfect for this) about 2 inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake until slightly firm to the touch, but not brown, 10-13 minutes.  Cool for a few minutes before transferring from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool completely.  Makes about 3 dozen.

"For a serious sweet tooth, these cookies will not disappoint you"