Another cookie swap in the books. It may have been the 10th swap, but it was definitely the first time there were seven children at my house! There was a lot of holiday spirit, and a fair amount of New England Patriots spirit as well. With all the excitement, I didn’t manage to capture many pictures. Somehow though, I did manage to eat more than my fair share of cookies.

The first place winner was this Chewy Toffee Bit cookie made by my friend Meg. She actually had brought this same cookie to a previous swap, and I still had the recipe on hand. The cookies appear unassuming, but the toffee bits set them apart, and they were definitely a hit with the kids as well.

2 1/4 c. flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 t vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. Skor English Toffee Bits

Heat oven to 350F. Lightly grease cookie sheet. Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla in a large bowl. Add eggs, beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in toffee chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly, and transfer to a wire rack.

• cookies