Cookies for Aaron

Last week Aaron was up late working on his thesis so I made him a cookie with all of his favorite cookie ingredients: Peanut butter, oats, chocolate chips, and coconut. Needless to say he was quite a fan and reported "I think you should make these all the time." The poor guy has had quite a weekend with work and won't be home until the wee hours of the morning. So, my dearest, these cookies will be waiting for you on the kitchen counter when you get home.

Cookies for Aaron (makes about 2 dozen)

1/3 cup peanut butter

2 Tbls. vegan butter

1/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 Tbls. applesauce

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup oats

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large bowl melt the butter and peanut butter for about 30 seconds. As long as the butter is soft enough to combine with everything else, it's fine if it isn't melted.

Stir in the sugars, applesauce, and vanilla. Give the batter a taste. Decide whether you want to carry on and actually make the cookies or change course and just eat the sugary peanut buttery goodness with a spoon.

If you've decided to move forward, stir in the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Stir in the coconut and chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and press slightly to flatter. Bake for 15 minutes and cool on a wire rack.