Peanut Butter at the Lapin Agile

Behold!

These cookies are very easy to make, are healthier (perhaps) than the normal cookie fare, are gluten free, and they sure make my wife's friends say nice things about me.

I say this because only a few days ago did I make a batch of these bad boys and send them off to surprise my wife in her scenic painting class. The response was overwhelming, and causes me to realize that, if you want a roomful of people to like you, bake them cookies.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Makes approx. 24 cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C/Gas 5, for those with non-US ovens or just into other temperature scales). Process 1½ c. rolled oats, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and ½ tsp. baking soda in a food processor for 2-3 minutes, until the oats become a fine oat flour. Set aside.

In a large bowl, beat 2¾ oz. (⅓ c.) softened unsalted butter, ½ c. white sugar, and ½ c. brown sugar until blended well. Add 1 large egg and beat until combined. Then beat in 1 c. peanut butter (any kind) and 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Stir in the oat flour mixture until combined. Grease or use parchment paper on two cookie sheets. Roll cookie dough into 1-inch balls, space 2 inches apart on the sheets, then flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake about 10-12 minutes. Let stand on the sheet for a minute before moving to a rack to cool. Serve to potential friends and be amazed. (Just warn them in case they have a peanut allergy...)

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Title inspiration: Picasso at the Lapin Agile, an existential comedy by Steve Martin. (Yes, that Steve Martin.) Premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago on 13 October 1993.