M&M Snack Cake Bars

Part cake, part bar, all delicious. These bars are all that's right in the world and were super simple to put together after I got our little guy down for the night. My evening baking time is limited since we have a pretty regular routine getting Logan to bed, so finding quick recipes that can be completed in the time before I hit the pillow is imperative. And this one isn't only quick, but delicious. The bars are soft, but not overly cakey. Like the perfect cross between cake and cookie and blondie. Perfect texture and not crumbly. Now the base is perfect for just about any sort of mix in, but really chocolate chips and mini M&Ms solidifies these bars as a great snack. The only thing better would have been to add sprinkles (it is cake after all) and get some funfetti action up in these tasty treats. There's always next time.

Fluffernutter Cupcakes

Dave's birthday is this weekend, but since our little guy is on his way any day now, I threw him a party a couple of weeks ago just to be sure we'd get a chance to celebrate. And to make sure I got an opportunity to make his birthday cupcakes. I think choosing his cupcakes from my insanely huge board on Pinterest is one of his favorite things about his birthday. He didn't have to scroll far to find these fluffernutter cupcakes--a peanut butter cupcake with a surprise inside, topped with a marshmallow buttercream (yup, marshmallow and butter!). What's the surprise? A full sized Reese's cup nestled into the bottom of each cupcake. These taste amazing and if you've ever sat with a jar of peanut butter, a jar of fluff and a spoon, these are your cupcakes. I'm told that when Dave was a toddler, he couldn't wait for someone to make him a fluffernutter sandwich, so he just sat on the floor with the jars and a spoon and helped himself. Although apparently he was kind enough to share with the dog as well. But going back to these cupcakes--they are tender on the inside, perfectly flavored with peanut butter and the frosting is spot on. A lot of fun and full of flavor, I'm guessing Dave will be asking for these again.

Peppermint Bark

Delicious? Easy? Perfect for an edible holiday gift? Yes, yes and yes. Peppermint candies and white chocolate are a wonderful holiday combination and I amped this on up with some holiday peppermint M&Ms, just for fun. Dave was particularly excited about this treat since he loves peppermint bark. Do you know what I didn't know? That Dave loves peppermint bark. Seriously, I've know him for over 15 years--you'd think I'd pick up on that. And he couldn't believe I'd never made it before. Know we're both wondering where he's been getting his fix all these years. But back to this bark: whip this up and you'll be able to break it up into deliciously big chunks, bag it up and share it as gifts--perfect for teachers, class treats, coworkers, anyone. Personally, I'm thinking some labor and delivery nurses might be the recipients of these treats--assuming our little guy arrives before Dave eats it all.

Holiday Muddy Buddies

Surprisingly, I've never actually made muddy buddies. Or puppy chow as it is sometimes referred. But I have some friends who love it and I thought I'd give it a try for a party recently. So glad I did because this holiday version is amazing! It's got all kinds of fun flavor and a twist on the original because instead of peanut butter, this recipe uses chocolate-hazelnut spread (yup, Nutella). Add in M&Ms, yogurt covered raisins and sprinkles, then toss it all powdered sugar and you've got a deliciously messy sweet snack that's a little bit festive.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

Ok, so I've talked about the little peanut butter pretzel nuggets I can't get enough of. So of course a cookie was in order. These chunky cookies offer two types of peanut butter flavor--actual peanut butter cookie dough and Reese's Pieces strewn throughout for crispy, crunchy fun. And the salty pretzels offer more crunch and flavor. These were a hit with the peanut butter feign in my house (that'd be Dave) and I loved everything about them too. Didn't even miss chocolate! All kinds of peanut butter goodness from a cookie with a tender inside and tons of crunch. Yum!

M&M Cookie Bark

Sometimes a crisp, crunchy cookie is exactly what you need. And sometimes you need it with a little chocolate. And sometimes, you don't want to go through the motions to portion dough into individual cookies. That's where this delicious treat comes in. Buttery, sweet and dotted with mini M&Ms, you get a lot of crunch and cookie flavor in a treat with a texture very reminiscent of brittle or bark. It's like two desserts in one. Plus candy. Seriously, how can you go wrong? Dave practically inhaled this stuff, but I got a few good chunks too and it's really good. So good I sent it to my Foodie Pen Pal this month!

Ice Cream Sundae Cookies

Why yes, as a matter of fact these cookies are as amazing as they sound. Seriously. Everything you love about a big ice cream sundae all baked up and delicious. And portable. Which was important since these were the lovely treats I sent to my friend Lisa for her birthday last week. Ice cream and shipping don't mix quite so well, which make these cookie an excellent option when you want need want ice cream without the mess. The perfect cookie base flavored with vanilla and loaded up with crushed sugar cones, white chocolate chips and M&Ms, then topped off with a chocolate drizzle. Super simple and delicious, these cookies deserve a chance in your oven. And your cookie jar. And your belly.

Rolo Stuffed Chocolate Muffins

Well, color me mortified. Seriously, I don't have a recipe for the crow I'm currently eating. After writing up the post below and completely enjoying my April Foodie Pen Pal, Ashley, my diminished computer skills (i.e.: my ability to remember to hit the publish button) followed by an illness that kept me either in bed or lying on the bathroom floor, thus away from blog maintenance meant I missed Wednesday's Foodie Pen Pal reveal day.  And for this, I'm sorry. Please take a look below at the wonderful box I received from Ashley at Happy, Pretty, Sweet and these fun muffins I sent her. I'm so sorry if you felt neglected, Ashley! Meanwhile, I'm going to see if I have any ketchup to choke down this crow.

I could quite literally eat chocolate all day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Except I do need actual nutrition. So I make real food and enjoy that. But if I can make chocolate flavored real food, then that's a major score. Of course that means I love these muffins. Delicious, tender, chocolatey muffins with a surprise inside of slightly gooey caramel thanks to Rolo minis. Perfect for breakfast or a lovely afternoon snack. And definitely perfect for a chocoholic, like me. And my Foodie Pen Pal.

Cowboy Bark

Quickly running into Trader Joe's one day, I had a moment of weakness at the register. As I came up to pay for my healthy fruits and veggies, there at the display right before the check out was what can only be described as chocolate crack. At Trader Joe's it goes by the name of Ruggedly Awesome Cowboy Bark. Sucked in by dark chocolate studded with sandwich cookie pieces, pretzels, peanuts, almonds and toffee bits, I bought a bag. Then I immediately got in the car, opened the bag and indulged. Holy crap this stuff is good. I may have hid the bag in the car and never told Dave about it, just selfishly nibbling a piece to make the commute home that much more bearable. And possibly a second bag was purchased without my husband's knowledge until I realized this stuff would be far cheaper to make myself. So the last crumbs and pieces made their way into the kitchen (and Dave was introduced) so I could mimic this delicious sweet, salty, chocolatey treat. Besides being cheaper to make yourself, this recipe makes way more than you'd get in the package from TJ's, making it an even better value. But really, the important thing is that you can whip this up in no time, particularly helpful when you don't have time to get to Trader Joe's. This is a crave-able candy, and you're going to want it often.

Candied Orange Slices

Dave and I visit a small oceanside town in Maine every few years. When we're there we visit this awesome handmade chocolate shop. It's family owned and over 100 years old. And the candy is amazing. Wonderful truffles, dipped treats and other amazing goodies. Dave loves their candied orange slices which are then dipped in dark chocolate--an fantastic combination. He's been pestering me to figure out how to make the candied oranges so we could dip them ourselves and I've been dragging my feet. But I recently got inspired to figure it out and these are so simple I can't believe I waited so long. The result is a sweet, potent orange candy. The pulp becomes sweet and gelatin-like, sort of like a gummy candy. And the orange rind ends up a little sour, but totally edible. It's chewy and offers a nice contrast in texture. Certainly not what a normal orange rind would taste like (yuck!).

Cookies and Cream Fudge

Fudge is not that hard, people. I've made some pretty awesome fudge (so I'm told and yes, I think so too) and for realsies, it doesn't take hours of slaving in the kitchen or busting out candy thermometers to watch like a hawk and make sure the candy doesn't rise one tick above your intended temperature and be ruined. Four ingredients. Four. I don't do complicated when it comes to fudge. I want 3-5 ingredients please. Seriously, the funfetti fudge, perfect fudge and peanut butter fudge have just a handful of ingredients and are simple delicious. This cookies and cream fudge features great big chunks of Oreo cookies suspended in a creamy white chocolate base, exactly like a fudge version of my favorite ice cream flavor. this would be a lot of fun for a birthday party or just because. As a quick no-bake treat, you can keep these ingredients on hand for emergency dessert calls and save the day with a creamy, chocolatey treat.

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Pardon the holiday sprinkles. But these were a huge hit this past Christmas and I'd feel bad not sharing them with you. A soft chocolate cookie coated in festive sprinkles and topped with a candy kiss--really, what more could you want if you were my 7 year old niece? Or all the other kids who got holiday cookies. Or me. Trust me, I'm a huge fan of the traditional peanut butter blossom (mine are pretty good if I do say so myself). But for a chocolate fan like me, there's nothing better than chocolate topped with chocolate. And adding sprinkles just makes these even more fun. Sub out holiday sprinkles for rainbow, your favorite color, or better yet--more chocolate. Yum!

Moose Tracks Cookies

Wow. This is a delicious, fudgy, almost brownie-like cookie loaded with white chocolate and chopped peanut butter cups.  A perfect cookie replica of an ice cream classic.  Barely enough batter to hold the mix-ins together, but that chewy chocolate cookie is still perfect. Yes, these cookies are awesome, and how could they be otherwise? Baking chocolate, chocolate chips, white chocolate and peanut butter cups jam pack into these cookies for an excellent treat. Small, sweet and full of flavor--that's my kind of cookie.

Monster Cookie Dough Truffles

You realize there are a lot of cookie and candy recipes from the holidays that I haven't yet shared, right? I'm just so crazy that there are not enough days for me to share it all. So over the next few weeks, they'll trickle in here or there, but I think this one I saved--a Monster Cookie Dough Truffle--would be awesome for New Year's Eve. They are quick to make and you can eat them one handed with the rest of your party appetizers. And something about peanut butter and chocolate goes well with a celebratory beer to ring in the new year. We love these truffles and I had to hide them from Dave for fear no one else would get a chance to try them. The eggless cookie dough is sweet, soft and loaded with monster cookie goodness. Dipped and milk chocolate and topped with sprinkles, swap out the holiday colors for rainbow or anything that works for your party theme.

Christmas Funfetti Cake Batter Truffles

It's almost Christmas, so there's a good chance that you're busy but you still need some holiday treats or gifts or you might have some little, idle hands that are on winter vacation and maybe they need something fun to do. Enter these Chrismas Confetti Cake Batter Truffles. Little balls of cake batter goodness with holiday-themed sprinkles dipped in white chocolate and ready to gift or shove in your face--either is fine, I won't judge. The batter comes together quickly and it's a no bake treat, so even the little ones can help with this recipe start to finish. Make up a quick batch for the unexpected visitor or the neighbor who shoveled out your driveway. Or tuck this recipe away for a birthday party and use rainbow sprinkles. Or save for next week and use gold or silver sprinkles for a fun New Year's treat. No matter when you make them, they'll be delicious.

Peanut Butter Fudge

"Holy crack-filled fudge!" This is one of the responses I got to this recipe, which is by far an awesome compliment (because the fudge does not in fact have crack in it). I've been looking for a peanut butter fudge recipe for a while and I'm glad to have finally found one just about as easy as my Mom's Perfect Fudge recipe. Now I have both chocolate and peanut butter in my fudge arsenal, which is definitely a good arsenal to keep full. I might have kept some of this peanut butter fudge back just for me so I could enjoy it's smooth creamy texture and big peanut butter flavor.

Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

You know how I love to make tiny little two bite cookies? Well, these suckers are big.  Huge, even. A big ol' soft pumpkin cookie, stuffed with caramel and then rolled in cinnamon sugar because, well, why not?  The cookies are a wonderful way to tuck in the caramel--perfectly pumpkin flavored with a little spice and sweetness.  The caramel is a nice surprise, offering a creamy center wonderfully matched to the pumpkin and spice.  You might want to keep all these to yourself, but wouldn't it be better to share?  I mean, this is the season of giving.  So I decide the best way to share these cookies would be through the 3rd Annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Exchange. Like last year (with these) and the year before (with these), I shared a dozen of these cookies with each of three different food bloggers and in return, I received three lovely packages, each containing a dozen cookies from three other food bloggers

Peanut Butter Lover's Cookies

Soft, chewy, peanut butter cookies that are almost overloaded with peanut buttery goodness.  Almost.  Peanut butter, peanuts, peanut butter chips, and chopped peanut butter cups all mix in to this batter with amazing results.  These cookies are more than good.  They're heavenly, and a completely different way to enjoy peanut butter than the monster bars I made last month..  Sweet without being sugary and all the peanut butter goodies you could want, these cookies represent perfection in birthday baking for my nephew Aidan who hit double digits yesterday.  He could survive on peanut butter alone and as soon as I saw this recipe, I knew he'd love it.  Dave did, too, so that was a good indication I was on the right track.  Perfectly soft cookies and bit peanut butter flavor are just about all you need to turn 10, right?

Loaded Caramel and Chocolate Monster Bars

Monster bars are what you make when you find a bunch of half used bags of yummy mix-ins in your pantry.  I feel compelled to make them every once and a while so that I don't feel guilty for buying new bags of mix-ins.  Plus, they taste delicious.  Any cookie base will do and then just go to town combining as many of those leftover handfuls of this and that--caramel bits, leftover Twix eggs from Easter (I'll admit--those things must have been hiding from me), milk chocolate chips, Hershey's Cookies and Creme Drops, and fudge brownie goldfish graham crackers.  Yes, that will do for a full on chocolate and caramel experience.

Peanut Butter Lover's Monster Bars

Oh these bars are good.  You know Dave and I are peanut butter junkies--it's Dave's favorite for desserts and right up there with chocolate for me.  So a peanut butter blondie stuffed to the gills with peanut butter goodies?  I'll take two, please.  We had game night with our friends Felise and Nick, so I made these bars when we went to their house.  These bars have everything--peanut butter, peanuts, peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips, toffee candy bits, and peanut butter M&Ms.  They are so loaded with peanutty mix-ins that there's barely any batter--which is just fine.  There is exactly enough batter--peanut butter flavored, that is--to keep all the tasty bits and candies together.  So much so I wouldn't be surprised if Dave asked for these for birthday baking.  Or because it's a day that ends in 'y'.  One of those.