Cookie Bears

Kids love to assemble and decorate theirs. Prep time includes time for chilling and is likely to vary depending on how warm your kitchen is.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Yields: 24 bears

Ingredients

• 1  cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened (NO SUBSTITUTIONS)
• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 2  eggs, slightly beaten
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 2  cups oatmeal
• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
•  frosting or   decorative candies or   candy sprinkles or   colored crystal sugar, for decoration (optional)

Directions

1. Throughly combine the oatmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
2. Set aside.
3. Beat sugar and butter with an electric mixer until light and creamy.
4. Melt chocolate chips (either in the microwave or over hot water in a double boiler).
5. Add the melted chocolate, eggs and vanilla to the sugar mix and beat well.
6. Add the oatmeal mixture to the sugar mixture and mix well.
7. Cover and chill until easy to work with.
8. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
9. For each bear: Make a 1" ball for the body, a 1/2" ball for the head and 1/4" balls for the arms, legs and ears.
10. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and gently press together to form bears.
11. Flatten bear slightly.
12. Bears should be at least 2" apart.
13. Makes 24 bears.
14. Bake 8-10 minutes or until just firm to the touch.
15. Do not overbake.
16. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
17. Decorate as desired with frosting and candies.