M & M Cookies

I have loved these cookies forever, and now that M&Ms come in special colors for all different holidays, they are a perfect choice for Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and more.  They are so easy to make, and it is easy to get the kids involved, so they are a definite winner in my house!

Pretend there is baking soda in this picture, please!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (divided)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, shortening, and vanilla thoroughly. 
2. Mix together flour, salt, and baking soda and gradually add to creamed mixture. Blend well. Add 3/4 cup of M&M candies.
3. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Slightly push a few candies on top of each dough ball with remaining candies.  (My kids help me with this part.)
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 11 minutes, to your liking.  Makes 5-6 dozen.

Difficulty: On a cookie scale, pretty easy

Time: 15 min prep, 9-11 minutes for each batch

Source: Allrecipes.com