I came up with these cookies as a treat for my kids’ class parties. They’re a hit!
—STARRLETTE HOWARD OGDEN, UT
PREP: 35 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 15 MIN. • MAKES: 1 DOZEN
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
12 whole cashews
24 striped chocolate kisses, unwrapped
24 semisweet chocolate chips
1. In a large bowl, beat butter, peanut butter and brown sugar until blended. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
2. If necessary, cover and refrigerate dough 1 hour or until firm enough to shape. Divide dough in half; shape one portion into an 8-in.-long roll. Mix melted chocolate into remaining dough. Roll chocolate dough between two sheets of waxed paper into an 8-in. square. Place plain roll on chocolate dough. Wrap chocolate dough around plain dough, pinching together at the seam to seal. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 3 hours or until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 350°. Unwrap and cut dough crosswise into 24 slices 3/8 in. thick. To make owls, place two slices side by side on an ungreased baking sheet; pinch the top of each slice for ears. Place a cashew between slices for a beak. Repeat with remaining dough.
4. Bake 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool on pans 5 minutes before removing to wire racks. While cookies are warm, place two kisses on each cookie, pointed side down, for eyes. (Kisses will melt slightly.) Top each kiss with a chocolate chip.