BRUSH
Keeping It Clean

The "Worms in Dirt" recipe is an old buffet table favorite. It's a rich concoction of cream cheese, whipped topping, Oreo cookies, and (off limits to braces-wearers) gummy worms. My Dirt Cookies are a favorite around here, and we hope you give them a try as an after-school treat. They are nut free. Please read the entire recipe before you start.

• 2¼. c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt

In a large mixing bowl, beat until creamy and smooth:

• 1 c. softened butter
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. white sugar
• ½ c. light brown sugar

Stir in one at a time:

• 2 large or x-large eggs

Stir in:

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Stir in until just combined, the flour mixture. Then stir in:

• 1½ c. Oreo Cookies, broken up

Cover and chill at least 30 minutes, overnight is even better.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with vegetable spray. Place about 1-inch balls of dough 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for about 10 minutes. Reverse the pans midway through baking. Cookies should be golden. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

1. If you crush the Oreo Cookies and create a lot of crumbs, you will have a more chocolatey cookie.
2. Store the cookies airtight in a plastic wrap-lined cookie tin.
3. If you chill the cookie dough, you will get a more defined cookie. If you use the cookie dough right away, the cookie will spread more.
4. You can also make these cookies to bake at a later date, so you can have fresh cookies on a moment's notice. Just roll the dough into the dough balls, set them on a lined cookie sheet, and place in the freezer to freeze solid. Place the frozen dough in a plastic bag to be baked as needed.

A Cookie Lady Recipe