I’m not bragging but each week I’m getting better and better at this cookie thing. And to be honest, some of it comes from just following directions and recipes. If it says use softened butter, then don’t be lazy or impatient. Soften the butter! Seriously, when you decide that you might bake, take the butter out of the fridge, weigh it, and then do EVERYTHING else on your to-do list. All the things you hate doing- laundry folding, unpacking the dishwasher, vacuuming- now’s the time. Hard butter is no one’s friend when it comes to cookie making. Although I’ve never been a stickler for the rules, sometimes it’s a good idea to listen to others’ advice and experiences.

Anyhoo, this week I made two cookies- both from Smitten Kitchen. Her Browniest Cookie aka a Brookie aka a cookie and brownie combo. They were good but after the spicy fun of the Mexican Icebox cookies, they were only ok. I added cinnamon but it wasn’t enough. I’m addicted to dark chocolate and chili, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

The other cookies I made this week- Thick Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (with chocolate chips added!). And they were AMAZING. I feel like I say this every week, but these could be THE BEST ONES YET. So good. And I don’t even like Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. But these are so good. Honestly, it’s the hint of chocolate that makes them. Oatmeal sounds healthy but the chocolate is a bit naughty– and they both work so well together!

And now, I have a problem. I don’t know how I’m going to top them this week. I need to come up with cookies for this week that will be better.

I’m stumped but ready for the challenge!