Christmas Mice

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, no substitutions
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup peanut halves
• 2 T. M&M mini baking pieces in red and green
• 4 tsp. mini chocolate chips
• 66 pieces (2 in. long each) red shoestring licorice
• OPTIONAL:  holly/berry mini candies

In a large mixing bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, sugar and brown sugar.  Beat in egg & vanilla.  Combine flour & baking soda.  Slowly beat into the creamed mixture.

Chill until easy to handle. (1 hour)

Roll into 1 inch balls.  Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Pinch each ball to taper into the shape of a tiny mouse body.

Insert two peanut halves into the center of the body, one on each side, for ears.

Add one M&M baking bit for nose on the pointed end of the body.  Add two chocolate chips for the eyes on either side of the nose.   OPTIONAL, arrange a holly/berry in front of one ear on the “girl” mice.

BAKE at 350 degrees for 9 minutes, or until set.  Carefully insert one licorice piece into each warm mouse for a tail.  Remove to rack after cooling for 5 mimutes on the cookie sheet.