Cake Mix Cookies

You can do just about anything with a cake mix. I learned this when Jillene put into our ward cookbook several dessert recipes that use them. I now use them pretty much every time I make cookies. Well, cookie bars to be more exact.

The "recipe" is pretty basic and I do it this way every time, with any kind of mix. The base of mix, oil and egg is always the same. I just change what I mix into it. By the way, you don't add the water called for on the back of the mix. You want this to be stiff like a cookie dough. Here's a few examples.

Caramel Toffee Cookie Bars

You can use any variety of a Yellow or a White mix

1 cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
about 1/2 of a bag of caramel bits (the kind you use for making caramel apples)
about 1/2 of a bag of Heath toffee bits

Mix all ingredients together and place in a lightly greased, 9 x 13 baking dish. You will have to smoosh the cookie dough to get it into the corners. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven, for 22-25 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Any variety of a Yellow or White cake mix.

1 cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 bag of chocolate chips

Same directions as above.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

1 chocolate cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
about 1 bag of Andes Mint baking chips (the entire bag might be a bit much for some. Just use your own judgement.)

Same directions as above.

Cake mixes are great when you need a dessert in a hurry and any variety of things can be mixed into them.

Banana Bread

Combine in a bowl:

2 1/2 c flour
1 2/3 c sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Add to the dry ingredients and beat well:

2/3 c shortening
1/3 c milk
3 mashed bananas

When combined add:

3 eggs
1/3 c milk

Preheat oven to 350. Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes.