My first tray of cookies was very leaky, though I'd followed the directions exactly. The second tray was more so, since I missed the timer going off while breaking up a sibling fight in the playroom . . . it really IS important to take them out after 8 minutes! The next ones went much better, though. I divided the remaining fourths of dough into 10 pieces (instead of 12), stuck the caramel kisses in the freezer for a bit, and pressed the candy into the balls of dough BOTTOM first, instead of pointy-end first like I'd done with the first two tries. I think that helped cover the candy better. And I was rigid about the 8 minutes, and left them alone on the tray for 6+ minutes to cool before transferring them to a cooling rack--only one leaked then, and not too badly. These were a bit labor-intensive, but folks who like to make cookies usually enjoy the process, and it certainly wasn't tedious. My children are thrilled with the end result, and I'm fairly certain we'll try them again sometime.

I made this for a church potluck recently, expecting it to go over well with the children--but the adults liked it, too! I used a pretty glass bowl--why go to all that work layering and then hide it in a 9x13 pan?!?--and I'm pretty sure the presentation added to folks' warm reception.

These muffins are very good in an understated kind of way. I used 1 c. of graham flour (in place of some of the white), and that made the texture quite nice. I also added chopped apples; 3/4 of a gala was just right. Next time I'll decrease the butter a bit and probably add more cinnamon.