M&M Cookies

Here's a family recipe that I've loved for as long as I can remember. My mom used to make these every Christmas... I find that I can't go a whole year without making them at least a few times!

They are fantastic warm out of the oven, and they stay fresh for quite a while (if you can keep from eating them all immediately).

They also make great holiday desserts, if you buy the Christmas M&Ms, Easter M&Ms, etc.

M&M Cookies

Yield: 3-5 dozen, depending on size

You'll need:

1 c shortening

1 c packed brown sugar

1/2 c granulated sugar

2 t vanilla

2 eggs

2 1/4 c flour

1 t baking soda

1 t salt

1 1/2 c (or more) plain M&Ms, divided (plus some to snack on while you're baking)

Cream shortening and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix. Stir in half the M&Ms. Drop spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate the tops with the rest of the M&Ms. Bake at 350 degrees (or 325 degrees for dark/non-stick pan) for 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies. Don't over-bake! Cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.