Blue Ribbon Cookies

Even children will be able to prepare most of these 100 quick and easy recipes culled from the prizewinning entries of 500 regional, state and county fairs. Robbins ( Blue-Ribbon Pies , etc.) gives clear and succinct directions, despite an occasional false steer (follow her instructions to cool a hot cookie sheet by running it under cold water, and you may warp it). Classic treats such as oatmeal, molasses, peanut-butter, chocolate-chip and sugar cookies each rate several recipes, although it is not always evident from the ingredients what distinguishes one cookie from another of the same type. A generous assortment of cookies are made with fruit, nuts or vegetables. More daring bakers will be tempted to try potato-chip cookies, ``Forgotten'' cookies (``Put these in the oven, turn it off, and forget them''), chocolate-chip cookies made with instant-pudding mix and two ``no-bake'' cookies. Those mindful of budgets will appreciate the general preference for economical ingredients. The recipes tend, however, toward a high proportion of sugar and other sweetened ingredients. (August)