NUTCRACKER COOKIES **
1 package sugar cookie mix
1 stick unsalted butter (8 TB), softened to room temp
1 egg
1/2 cup peanut butter (I used chunky)
1/2 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
***
1 heaping TB peanut butter
3/4 cup powdered sugar
milk
sprinkles, optional
Preheat oven to 375. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In mixer bowl, beat together softened butter, peanut butter, and cookie mix until smooth and well blended. Mix in peanut butter chips and chopped peanuts at a lower speed, until mixed together well.
Using a cookie scoop (or your hands), put 1" balls of dough about 1-1/2" apart on prepared cookie sheets. Press down with your hand (or a fork). Bake about 9 minutes, or until just beginning to lightly brown at the edges and just beginning to firm up.
Remove to a rack to cool and glaze. Makes about 3 dozen
GLAZE:
Mix peanut butter with powdered sugar in a small bowl, adding milk 1 tsp. at a time, until smooth, drizzle consistency. Drizzle over cookies (warm or cold). If you're using sprinkles, just glaze a few cookies at a time before putting the sprinkles on. This glaze will harden up quickly, and the sprinkles won't stick if the glaze gets hard.