Chewy Red White and Blue Cookies

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon light corn syrup
4 1/2 cups uncooked regular oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup (6 ounces) red, white, and blue candy-coated chocolate pieces
2 teaspoons baking soda

Beat sugars and butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and next 3 ingredients, beating until combined. Stir in oats and remaining ingredients.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake, in batches, at 350° for 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

southern living july 2003