I gave a training today at work. We are switching to a new software package, and I am the one driving the change.
To encourage my coworkers to not drag their feet about trying out the new software, at the end of the training I gave them a Cookie Challenge: accomplish one of a number of tasks and earn a cookie, an actual physical cookie that I baked myself. Here they are, ready to go to work this morning.
Preheat the oven to 350 F
1 stick butter
1 C granulated sugar
Cream the sugar with the butter in a stand mixer until pale yellow and airy.
2 eggs
1 Tbsp molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
Add the eggs, one by one, and the molasses & vanilla and beat until thoroughly combined.
1 3/4 C all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp table salt
Sift the dry ingredients together.
Add the flour mixture gradually to the butter mixture with the mixer running on low speed until combined.
Proceed by hand, or delicately with the mixer.
2 C rolled oats (quick-cooking or old-fashioned, not instant)
6 oz chocolate chips (1 small bag)
1 C raisins (which I left out)
Add the oatmeal, chocolate chips, and raisins, and mix until just combined. The mixer will tend to crush these ingredients, so be careful.
Drop by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet and bake each batch 10-12 minutes until just starting to brown. Cool on a rack.
Makes 4 dozen smallish cookies.