Cheerios Cookies

Chewy, buttery, cookies with special little Cheerios crunch.  Delectable!  These cookies are quick and easy and absolutely worth a try.  Plus, they're customizable!  I used Cinnamon Burst Cheerios in mine (which I highly recommend), but you could make them with Peanut Butter, Dulce De Leche, Apple Cinnamon, Honey Nut, Chocolate - whichever flavor you like!  Cheerios might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it definitely works!
Since they contain cereal, I'm thinking they could totally qualify as breakfast...

Cheerios Cookies

Adapted from Cook's Illustrated

Ingredients:

2 cups + 2 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cups butter, melted & cooled

3/4 cups sugar

3/4 cups brown sugar

1 egg

1 yolk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 cups Cheerios (I used Cinnamon Burst)

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 325°.  Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

3.  Combine the butter and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Beat until well-blended.

4.  Beat in the egg, the yolk, and the vanilla.

5.  Add the flour mixture.  Beat on low until the dry ingredients are almost incorporated.

6.  Add the Cheerios and chocolate chips.  Stir with a wooden spoon until just mixed.

7.  Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2" of space between each.  Press the cookies so that they are discs, not balls (do not press thin, just make the tops flat).

8.  Bake 11-14 minutes or until the edges are firm and the centers are set.

9.  Allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheet.  Serve!