Cream Cheese Brownies

Cream Cheese Brownies- Fudgy brownies with a cream cheese swirl!

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Let's dress up our brownies today!

Ingredients Needed

• Cream Cheese
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Brownie mix
• Egg

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Do I Have to Use Boxed Brownie Mix?

Nope.  You can use your favorite brownie recipe, if you wish.  Just be sure it's for a 9 x 13 baking pan.  You can also use any brand/variety of brownie mix you want.  Again, it should be for a 9 x 13 pan or sometimes they are labeled "family size"

Cream Cheese

Be sure your cream cheese is nice and soft.  This will make your mixing easier and give your cream cheese layer much smoother.

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Cream Cheese Brownies

Kentucky Butter Sheet Cake

 Kentucky Butter Sheet Cake- The classic buttery cake served up in sheet cake form! 

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Like the Banana Buttermilk Cake, this recipe comes from mother in law.  She was an extreme lover of all things dessert.  Especially, cake.  All the recipes I have from her are for cake.  So, you've been warned...many more cake recipes of hers to come. 

Now, traditionally, Kentucky Butter Cake is baked in a bundt pan.  I normally have lots of success with my bundt cakes.  But, this one?  It never seems to come out of the pan for me.  It's a mess.

So, I take the same batter and bake it as a sheet cake instead.  Using a 17 x 12 sheet pan,  I get the same delicious cake, but, shorter baking time and it's much easier to get out of the pan. 

A win in my book. 🖒

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Baking soda + Baking powder  + Salt
• Sugar
• Butter
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Powdered sugar + Milk
• Vanilla

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A Few Quick Notes:

• Make sure your butter is softened. This is going to give your cake just the right consistency.
• No Buttermilk on Hand? Whisk your 1 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then, proceed with the recipe as noted.
• Bundt Pan: You can, in fact, bake this in a bundt pan, if you wish.  Spread the batter evenly into a 9-10 inch (well greased!) bundt pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

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Kentucky Butter Sheet Cake

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies- Classic oatmeal cookies jammed packed with chocolate chips. 

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 Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt + Baking soda
• Oats
• Butter
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chips

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Can I Use Raisins Instead?

Yes, of course! Actually, this recipe is for oatmeal raisin cookies.  I use chocolate chips instead, because, well, nobody in my house likes raisins. 🤷  You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans. 

Butter

Be sure it's softened before using! This will give your batter its creamy consistency.  Need to soften it quickly?  Here are a few tips. 

Old Fashion or Quick Cooking Oats?

Honestly, you can use either.  If you use the old fashion variety, you can pulse them a bit in your food processor to grind them up a bit.

Why Do I Have to Refrigerate my Dough?

Refrigerating the dough will help your cookies from spreading.  It will also give you a fluffier texture in  your cookies.  Refrigerate it for about two hours or pop it in the freezer for 45 minutes.  

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Magic Cookie Bars

 Magic Cookies Bars- The classic gooey bars made up of sweetened condensed milk, flaky coconut, crunchy nuts and chocolate.  They are too good to pass up! 

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 Technically, this recipe is right from Eagle Brand.  However, my Mom made these bars at multiple holiday celebrations.  They are soooo good! It's hard to eat just one.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Chocolate chips
• Shredded coconut
• Walnuts or pecans

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Recipes Notes and Tips

• Be sure to line your pan with foil and spray the foil generously with non stick cooking spray.  These bars can be sticky! So, this step will help make bar removal much easier.
• Nuts? You can use chopped ( or finely diced) walnuts or pecans.
• If desired, you can use low fat/fat free sweetened condensed milk as an alternative.  Just be sure you use sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk! 
• Store any leftovers in a covered container in your refrigerator.  If desired, you can freeze these too! Let them cool completely, then, store in a freezer safe, covered container or storage bag. 

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Magic Cookie Bars

Muffin Mix Caramel Apple Cobbler

 Muffin Mix Caramel Apple Cobbler- An easy cobbler that includes a muffin mix,  sweet apples and a smooth caramel sauce. Perfect for fall! 

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Happy Fall Everyone! Let's celebrate with apple cobbler. 🍎🍏

Ingredients Needed

• Apple cinnamon muffin mix
• Apple pie filling
• Caramel sauce
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon

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What Kind of Muffin Mix Should I Use?

You will need a 6.5 - 7 oz package of dry apple cinnamon muffin mix.  Jiffy, Betty Crocker and Martha White are a few brands ideas.

Caramel Sauce

Want to make it homemade? Find out how.  It's easy!  If you don't want to venture into homemade territory, use your favorite jarred variety. 

How to Make

• Spread the apple pie filling evenly onto the bottom of your greased pan. Top off the apples evenly with brown sugar, ground cinnamon and caramel sauce.
• Next, sprinkle the dry muffin mix on top of the apple mixture.
• Top it off with thin pats of butter.  Don't mix it.
• Bake!
• Let it cool for about 30-45 minutes before serving.

Topping Ideas

• More caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Whipped Topping ( Cool Whip)
• Vanilla ice cream

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Muffin Mix Caramel Apple Cobbler

Three Ingredient Chocolate Pie

Three Ingredient Chocolate Pie- It doesn't get any easier than this! Three ingredients, three hours and there you have it... chocolate pie. 

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No bake pies aren't just for summer.  They are great all year round! Especially, pies that only need three ingredients and can be served within an hour of making. 🖒

Your Three Ingredients

• Pie crust
• Chocolate chips
• Whipped topping

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What Kind of Pie Crust Should I Use?

Pictured is a Chocolate Cookie Crust pre-made pie crust. However, this pie will work with a graham cracker crust ( regular or gluten free), an Oreo cookie crust, a shortbread cookie crust, a walnut/pecan crust....the list is endless.  Just stick with a no bake crumb crust and you will be good to go!

What About Whipped Topping?

AKA "Cool Whip". Use any variety ( low fat/fat free/vegan) and brand.  Just be sure it's thawed before you use it.

Chocolate Chips?

I used a milk chocolate variety.  You can go with semi sweet or dark chocolate too.  Whichever you prefer!

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Three Ingredient Chocolate Pie

Snickers Salad

Snickers Salad- Snickers candy bars, whipped topping, vanilla pudding, caramel sauce and apples make up this delicious dessert! 

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 ⚠ Warning! You may eat large quantities of the "salad".  

Ingredients Needed

• Whipped topping
• Snickers candy bars
• Apples + Lemon juice
• Caramel sauce
• Milk
• Instant vanilla pudding 

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Recipe Notes

Whipped Topping

AKA " Cool Whip".  You can use any brand equivalent or variety ( fat free, low fat, etc). You will need 8 ounces.

Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix

Make sure it's instant.  Not, heat and serve. 

Milk

For most instant pudding mixes, you have to use dairy based milk for it to work.  However, if you use a plant based "milk" instead, you may have to use adjust the amount of milk for the pudding to set. Check beforehand. 

Caramel Sauce

Want to make it homemade?  It's easy!  Find out how.

Lemon Juice?

Yes. I toss the apples lightly in a bit of lemon juice.  It can help prevent them from browning.

Apples

I like to use Granny Smith apples for this recipe.  But, braeburn, Cortland or jonagold will all work too.

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Snickers Salad

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

 Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake- A moist, chocolate cake that starts with a cake mix and adds in the creaminess of mayonnaise. 

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Mayonnaise in a chocolate cake?!  Yep. Remember, mayonnaise is basically oil and egg. What are two common ingredients in a cake?  Um, oil and egg. 👍

It adds a great creamy richness to your cake and friends, it is good stuff.

Ingredients Needed

• Chocolate cake mix
• Mayonnaise
• Eggs
• Milk
• Honey
• Vanilla
• Instant chocolate pudding mix

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Can I Use Any Brand of Cake Mix?

Yes. Stick with a standard size box (15-18 oz) and you will be fine.

Can I Use a Vegan Mayonnaise?

Yep. I have used traditional mayonnaise, homemade mayonnaise and vegan mayo for this cake. They all work great. 

What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

I like to go with a chocolate buttercream. However, you can go with your favorite frosting recipe or grab a can of the pre-made stuff.  Whatever you wish.   Need some ideas? Find a bunch right here.

Frosting Pictured: Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting Need some ideas?  

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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

Rhubarb Dump Cake

Rhubarb Dump Cake- An easy cake that will take you just 10 minutes of prep time.  Simply "dump" all your ingredients into your pan and bake! Filled with tart rhubarb with sweet strawberry sauce, this one will be a favorite of yours in no time.

Dump Cakes - - not a great name for a cake.  However, they are easy, quick to make and are really quite delicious. 

What is a "Dump Cake"?

You literally Dump your ingredients into your prepared pan and bake.  Yes, it's that easy. The most important thing to remember when making a dump cake , do not mix your ingredients once they are in the pan.  Layer  your ingredients in the pan and bake.

Ingredients You Need

• Dry cake mix
• Rhubarb
• Strawberry gelatin powder ( AKA " Jell-O")
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Can I Use Fresh Rhubarb?

• Yes. I opted for the canned ( see recipe card for product) version, but, fresh is definitely possible.  If you are going to fresh rhubarb, you will need additional sugar and have just one extra step.
• Use Fresh:  You will need approx 4 cups of chopped rhubarb and 1 cup of sugar. Toss the chopped rhubarb with the cup of sugar and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. 
• Proceed with recipe as noted.

Storage

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator.  It is best to eat within 2-4 days.

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Rhubarb Dump Cake

Easy Cake Mix Bars

Easy Cake Mix Bars- -Soft, chocolaty bars that need just 4 ingredients! They are delicious, fun and are great for a weeknight dessert or your next get together.  

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I'm not sure who loves these bars more...me or my family. They are really easy to make (totally kid friendly baking project!) and are perfect for when you are craving baked goods or need something easy to bring to a party.

Ingredients Needed

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Butter
• Chocolate chips

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Recipe Notes

• This will work with any brand ( or flavor) or cake mix.  For the recipe to work, use a standard size box.  Approx 15-18 oz in size.
• Your batter is going to be thick.  To make the spreading of the batter easier...spray a silicone spatula or an onset spatula with non stick cooking spray and then, spread the batter. 

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Easy Cake Mix Bars

Cupcake Cones

Cupcake Cones- Fun cupcakes baked in a flat bottom ice cream cone! They are great for your next party and are totally versatile.

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My Mom made these fun cupcakes quite often during my childhood and my adulthood.  They are delicious topped with your favorite frosting or simply plain.

Ingredients Needed

• Cake mix + ingredients called for on box
• Flat bottom Ice cream cones 
• Frosting

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Recipes Notes

Can I Use Any Flavor Cake Mix?

Yes! These work with any flavor cake mix.  Just be sure to stick with a standard size (15-18 oz) box.  Make the batter according to your box instructions.

Ice Cream Cones

Use flat bottom cones. See the recipe card for purchase/example.

Frosting

Frost these lovelies with anything you want!  Need a few ideas? 

🞹 Important Note 

Don't over fill your cones! It may not look like much batter, but, remember, it will rise as it bakes. Use about 3 tablespoons of batter for each cone. 

Storage

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 2-3 days.  Want to freeze them? After baking, let them cool completely.  Then, freeze your unfrosted cupcake cones in a freezer safe/covered storage bag or container. When you are ready, let them thaw to room temperature, then, frost or serve plain.

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Cupcake Cones

Three Ingredient Soda Cake

 Three Ingredient Soda Cake- The simplest and most versatile cake you will ever make. 

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This cake not only tastes delicious, it's versatile.  Really ,incredibly, versatile. I came across the recipe about a million years ago and still make it on a regular basis. 

Just Three Ingredients

• Cake mix
• Soda
• Eggs

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Will This Work With Any Flavor Cake Mix?

Yes. I've made chocolate, yellow, white, strawberry and more.  They all work.  Just be sure you use a standard size box of cake mix ( 15-18 oz) for this to work.

What About Soda?

Again, any carbonated beverage will work.   I have used cola, root beer and lemon lime.  Again, they all worked,  I have even used diet soda! 

Eggs

Want to cut back a bit?  Use 4 egg whites instead of 4 whole eggs.  Yes, that will work too.

Cake Variety Ideas

• Yellow cake with lemon lime soda (baked in a 9 x 13 baking pan-pictured)
• Chocolate cake with cola
• Chocolate cake with root beer
• White cake with diet soda

Need frosting ideas? Browse a few here. 

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Three Ingredient Soda Cake

Cake Mix Brownies

Cake Mix Brownies- -Got a cake mix sitting in your kitchen? Make brownies with it! This easy recipe will satisfy your brownie craving in a snap.

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Add to to the list "Where The Heck Did This Recipe Come From?!".  This delight has been in my recipe archives for tooo looonng.  

They are really delicious and a snap to make.

Ingredients Needed

• Dry cake mix
• Egg
• Milk
• Butter
• Chocolate chips

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Can I Use Any Brand of Cake Mix?

Yes. Use any brand and chocolate variety you wish.  Stick with a standard size box (15-18 oz) for the recipe to work correctly.

Can I Use a Different Size Pan?

Yes.  If desired, you can bake these in an 8 x 8 baking pan.  Use the same ingredients/measurements and increase your baking time just a few minutes.

A Note About These Brownies

Just a heads up! These brownies are definitely more on the cakey side, than, fudgy. 👍

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Cake Mix Brownies

Jell-O Cookies

Jell-O Cookies- Colorful sugar cookies that are made with the classic Jell-O (gelatin) powder. Choose your own flavor or color for a fun and festive treat! 

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These cookies take a few steps, but, they are fun and quite delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt + Baking soda + Baking powder
• Butter
• Sugar
• Egg
• Jell-O ( flavored gelatin powder)

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How to Make (full instructions in recipe card)

• First,  decide how many different colors/flavors of cookies you want to make. Then, take the gelatin powder of those colors and place the powder in individual bowls, separating by color.
• Next, make your dough.
• Once your dough is made, seperate the dough into sections. The amount of sections will depend on how many colors you are making.
• Take each section and add about a tablespoon (or two) into the dough.  Work the dough gently until the powder is fully mixed in.  
• Once the dough is dyed, pinch off a piece of dough and roll it into a ball.  Roll that ball into the matching gelatin powder, to coat.
• Next, place the ball of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.  Gently, flatten the ball of dough.
• Continue with remaining dough, then, bake.

Do I Have to Use "Jell-O" gelatin?

No, this will work with any brand or flavor.  You will need about 16 tablespoons of the powder for the entire batch of cookies.  How much of each flavor, will depend on you.

Storage

Keep any leftover cookies in a sealed container. No need to refrigerate. They are best eaten within a week. 

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Jell-O Cookies

Cream Puffs

 Cream Puffs- Easy baked pastry shells that can be filled or topped off with your favorite ingredients. 

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I always thought cream puffs were difficult to make.  They aren't! While they can look intimidating, they are quite simple to create. 

Now, the cream puffs that are pictured are loaded with chocolate creme and topped with a chocolate ganache.  However, you can fill them with whatever you wish. 

Ingredients Needed

• Butter
• Flour
• Eggs
• Water
• Salt

What About The Filling and Topping?

You can find the full ingredients list and instructions for the chocolate version in the recipe card. For a few more filling ideas, see below.

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How to Make Your Cream Puffs (full instructions in card)

• First, melt the butter, water and salt and bring it all to a boil. Remove it from the heat and stir in the flour.  
• Transfer it to a mixing bowl.  You will need an electric mixer for this step.  Add in the eggs, one at a time and beat until they are fully combined and your batter is smooth.
• Drop the dough, by the spoonful, on an ungreased flat rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake them up and once they are done, remove from the oven.  
• Lightly, poke a tiny hole in each puff. This will release the steam.  Let them cool completely before adding filling.

Ideas for Your Filling

• Whipped topping (ex: Cool Whip)
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Any flavor of instant pudding
• Pastry Cream
• A whole bunch of frostings will work too! 

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Cream Puffs

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip- A dreamy dip made with cream cheese, brown sugar and loaded with bits of toffee. 

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I just realized that most of my dip recipes come from my younger sister.  Baking isn't really her thing, but, golly, she loves to whip up a good dip.  This one included!

Ingredients Needed

• Cream cheese
• Sugar- both brown and white
• Vanilla
• Toffee baking bits

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Recipes Notes

• Make sure that cream cheese is softened! This is so important for the creamy consistency of your dip.
• Toffee baking bits can be found in the same section as the chocolate chips in your grocery store. If you can't locate them, see the recipe card to purchase.  You can use the plain toffee version or toffee with the chocolate bits ( that is what I used). Both taste yummy.

Dipping Ideas

• Graham crackers
• Sliced apples
• Pretzels
• Vanilla wafers

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Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Dirt Pudding

Dirt Pudding- A completely addicting pudding made with cream cheese, vanilla pudding and whipped topping. The addition of the Oreo cookie crumbs is the perfect finishing touch.

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You have been warned...you will not be able to eat just one serving of this. It's crazy addicting and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

• Instant vanilla pudding 
• Powdered sugar
• Chocolate sandwich cookies
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Whipped topping

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Recipes Notes

Cream Cheese

Be sure it's softened! This makes beating it so much easier. It will also help give your pudding a creamy consistency. 

Whipped Topping

AKA "Cool Whip".  You can use any brand or variety.  Ex: low, fat free, vegan, etc 

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

• AKA "Oreos".Again, you can use any brand or variety.  Ex: gluten free, double stuff,etc 
• You will need a 16 oz package or about 3 1/2 cups, if you are using premade crumbs.

What Kind Of Serving Dish Should I Use?

Any kind you wish.  It you want to use one dish, it will fit into a 9 x 13 baking dish.

Storage

Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container. It is best eaten within 2-4 days.  That's if it lasts that long ;) 

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Dirt Pudding

French Toast with Cream Cheese Filling

French toast with cream cheese filling is a delicious breakfast twist. Spread a mixture of cream cheese and sugar between slices of bread, dip in French toast batter, and cook until golden brown. Serve hot with syrup or fruit for a delightful treat.

This recipe wasn't something my mom made when I was young, although, she did make traditional French toast.   Nope, this was a recipe that I discovered from her when I got older.  She made it one weekend while I was visiting with my kids and I instantly fell in love with it.

It's pretty filling, so, I wouldn't  recommend it for your everyday weekday breakfast, but, it is perfect for a special occasion,  brunch or simply when you want a sweet treat.

Ingredients Needed

• Sliced bread
• Eggs
• Milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Cream cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla
• Butter

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Recipe Notes

Bread

I recommend using a thicker sliced bread.  For example, Texas toast or a brioche. Don't get me wrong...any type of sliced bread will work for this.  However, a thicker bread will hold up better once it's dipped in the egg mixture. 

Cream Cheese

I like to use a whipped cream cheese for this recipe.  It's easier to work with and spread on the bread slices.  But, go with your favorite brand and flavor.  Let it soften before use to make your life easier. 

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French Toast with Cream Cheese Filling

Potato Chip Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies- The best of both worlds...sweet and salty! Delicious cookies loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy potato chips.  They are crunchy on the edges and chewy in the middle. YUM!

My mom's potato chip cookie recipe never included chocolate chips. She would top them off with a maraschino cherry.  They were yummy, but,  honestly, I never ate the cherry.  I would pull it off and simply eat the cookie. 

When I started making these for my own family, I added the chocolate chips instead.  They are a perfect combination of sweet and salty. 👌

Ingredients Needed

• Flour
• Sugar (both white and brown)
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Butter
• Milk
• Potato chips
• Chocolate chips

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Recipe Notes

Butter

Make sure it's softened! This is so important for the texture of your cookies. You will need 2 whole sticks for these!

Potato Chips

I use a standard, regular potato chip for these. Go with your favorite brand or salt level.  Be sure they are finely crushed. 

Storage

Keep any leftover cookies in a covered container. Don't worry about refrigerating them, unless it's really hot in your area. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yep.  Bake according to the recipes, then, let them cool completely.  Store them in a covered, freezer safe container /storage bag. They will be good for several months. 

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Potato Chip Cookies