Peanut Butter Robin Eggs:

Ingredients:

-¾ cup peanut butter

-½ cup softened butter

-2-⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar

-1 cup graham cracker crumbs

-1-½ cups blue candy coating disks 

-2 tablespoons shortening

-1 teaspoon baking cocoa

-1 tablespoon water

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs, mixing a little at a time until everything is fully blended into a thick dough.
2. Divide the peanut butter mixture into 16 equal portions. Using clean hands, roll and shape each portion into an egg shape. Place the shaped eggs on baking sheets lined with wax paper so they do not stick. Put the trays in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are firm.
3. While the eggs are chilling, place the candy coating disks and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until the coating is completely melted and smooth, with no lumps remaining.
4. Remove the peanut butter eggs from the refrigerator. Using a fork or dipping utensil, carefully dip each egg into the melted coating until fully covered. Let the extra coating drip off before placing each egg back onto the wax paper-lined tray. Return the eggs to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes until the outer shell hardens completely.
5. To create the robin egg speckled effect, stir together the baking cocoa and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl until thin and smooth. Dip a clean food-safe paintbrush into the cocoa mixture, then use your thumb to flick the bristles so specks land across the eggs.

Once finished, place the robin eggs in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Spring Cookie Bars:

Ingredients:

-2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

-1 cup granulated sugar

-2 eggs

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-M&M’s

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until smooth.
3. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes to make it easier to roll out. 
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1 inch thick. Use a knife to cut cookies into rectangular pieces, and add a few M&M’s to your liking.
6. Carefully transfer the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets. 
7. Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the candy has completely melted into the center.
8. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently peel the cookies off the parchment paper. Enjoy!