The Focus Cookie

The Focus Cookie first made its appearance in Mrs. Lowry's classroom a few days before DCCAS standardized testing. The kids and I were getting burnt-out from all the intense work and stress. We needed joy and enthusiasm. The Focus Cookie was invented as a way to have fun, without sacrificing sacred learning time. I told the kids that Focus Cookies have a magical power and ability to help students focus and master math skills. My too cool for Mrs. Lowry sixth graders rolled their eyes when I pretended to sprinkle magic focus dust on each cookie, but raved about the taste and kept asking for more. Yesterday on our way back from the sixth grade West Virginia camping trip we stopped at Splash Down Water Park before saying our goodbyes. We spent three hours in the pool, and were treated to cookies and snow cones before boarding the bus. A bunch of KIPPsters ran up to me after eating what I considered to be delicious cookies and said, "Mrs. Lowry, these cookies are good, but they're nothing compared to Focus Cookies!" We'll see how much math they retain from the year, but at least they know how to recognize a good cookie.

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup of peanut butter chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375° F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl and mix thoroughly. Beat butter, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well each time. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Gently fold in the  chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Drop small spoonfuls onto an un-greased baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remember, the cookies will continue to cook when you take them out of the oven. I personally enjoy gooey undercooked cookies, so I only cook them for 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.