Scrumptious Confetti Popcorn Treats

These scrumptious little goodies are perfect for a party snack or a tea party hosted by the little princesses in your life.  Each time I make these, they are eaten up very quickly-daintily, of course!

The Recipe

1 bag microwave butter popcorn

(I like to use 2 small bags of 100 calorie popcorn)

1/2 bag small marshmallows

sprinkles

Microwave the popcorn according to the package directions.  When popped, transfer to a medium size mixing bowl.  In a separate microwave safe bowl, melt marshmallows for about 1 1/2 minutes.  Spray rubber scraper with cooking spray and pour marshmallow mixture over popped popcorn and mix thoroughly, but gently.  Spread popcorn mixture onto a flat surface (such as a sprayed casserole dish or cookie sheet).  Sprinkle the sprinkles over the popcorn mixture and let set, about 10 minutes.  Pull apart and enjoy! (And yes, before typing out this recipe I've had several bite size yummies, myself.)

Smart Little Cookie Tip:

Be creative, use any topping your heart desires, especially for holidays or themed parties.  You could use colored sugar sprinkles, oreo bits, peanut butter cup bits (found in the ice cream topping aisle of your local grocery store), you could also mix in nuts, chocolate chips, etc., etc...the possibilities are as endless as the rainbow!  

Happy Munching!

Delicious Soft and Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies

 

What day isn't a good day for chocolate and peanut butter? This was my first time making this particular recipe, tweaking the ingredient list a little bit.  I think they turned out really well, and so does the empty cookie plate from our family night last night.  I'll be taking most of them to a church program tonight and hope everyone 

enjoys them as much as my family did.

The Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter                                             1 t vanilla

1 cup crunchy peanut butter                                   2 1/2 cups unbleached 

1 cup white sugar                                                           all-purpose flour                        

1 cup packed brown sugar                                      1 t baking powder 

1 egg                                                                    1/2 t salt

2 egg whites                                                          1 1/2 t baking soda

1 package chocolate chips                                           

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a bowl, sift together flour (I use all-purpose unbleached flour), baking powder, baking soda, and salt (I love to use Redmond Realsalt sea salt, found at Target or your local health food store).  Set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together butter (I like to use natural and organic unsalted butter, such as Tillamook-found at Walmart, and Archer Farms-found at Target), peanut butter (I use natural Skippy peanut butter) and sugars (for white sugar, I use organic Florida Crystals brand, found at Walmart).  Beat in egg, egg whites and vanilla.  Stir flour mixture into batter mixture.

Scoop into balls with a medium size cookie (or ice cream) scoop and drop onto parchment paper sprayed with cooking spray about 1 inch apart.

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies begin to brown.  Do not over-bake.  Transfer to a wire rack.  

While cookies are cooling, lay out a large piece of parchment paper on top of a large movable surface (I like to use a larger cookie pan or a large pizza pan).  Melt 1 bag milk chocolate chips (I love Ghirardelli), in a medium microwave-safe bowl, in the microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring in between melting times, until the chocolate is melted and silky smooth.  Working with one cookie at a time, cover the front half of the cookie with melted chocolate using a large spoon, turn and cover half of the bottom of the cookie, scrape off excess on both sides.  Place the finished cookies on the prepared parchment paper.  When the parchment is filled, transfer cookies to the refrigerator so the chocolate will set.  

Smart Little Cookie Tip: 

You might like to chop roasted peanuts or peanut butter chips and sprinkle them on top of the chocolate before the chocolate sets, to make it a bit more scrumptious.  

Voila! And Enjoy!

This is a collection of something I love to do, it brings me joy and makes me happy-Baking! I love to bake! As a little girl, I used to watch my mom bake in our kitchen, and it always felt like home.  I have a long time passion for creating and recreating recipes, making them healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture.  I know I've succeeded when a cookie or another sweet treat brings a smile to my face, and most importantly, to the faces of my family.  Bon Appetite!