mmm...mmm...Cookies!

Holiday Greetings!

I've been enjoying time in California with my family and friends.  I've been quite busy this week finishing my shopping and a last minute craft, wrapping presents and holiday baking.  Today I baked some of my favorites, M&M Cookies.  I've loved these cookies since I was a child, and I make them every year during the holidays because they are so easy, but very festive.  They are basically glorified chocolate chip cookies.  The real treat for me was being able to bake them in my Mom's beautiful new kitchen!

M&M Party Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup plain M&M's (3/4 lb)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Blend shortening, brown, and granulated sugars in a large bowl.
Beat in vanilla and eggs.
Sift remaining dry ingredients together and add to the sugar mixture, blending well.
Stir in M&M candies.
Drop from teaspoon on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.

I never measure the M&M's.  I just buy a regular sized bag and pour them all in.

I also use parchment paper on the cookie sheets which helps to make clean up so easy!

The shortening makes these cookies both crisp and chewy at the same time.  Yum!

Be sure to share your cookies with family and friends, as they are very addictive!  Santa might appreciate a cookie or two as well.

Hm...would one of these before bed inspire visions of M&M Cookies dancing in my head?

Cheers!
Jenn