Back-to-school time is exciting and a little bit scary – for parents and kids alike. Whether the kids are headed off to elementary school, high school or college, they could all use a little extra love.

I’ve found that a batch of favorite cookies is a simple way to show love to the kids – without embarrassing them in front of their peers! A couple of cookies tucked into the lunch box or a whole batch shipped off to the dorm can do wonders for someone needing a little taste of home.

Oatmeal Scotchies

(Makes 4 dozen cookies)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or grated peel of 1 orange

3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) Nestl Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 375 F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 7 to 8 minutes for chewy cookies or 9 to 10 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

PAN COOKIE VARIATION (Makes 4 dozen bars):

Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.