by Alexandra Heep

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2011

The term good cookies seems almost redundant. I don't know anyone who does not like some type of cookie. As long as you don't overbake them, cookies are a pretty good food. Well, not that they are essential to our nutritious well-being, but home baked cookies simply evoke a picture of comfort. It's no wonder the smell alone is used to sell houses even! From all the cookie varieties there are, I chose one with M&Ms as I love them.

M&M COOKIES

1 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups M&M's plain chocolate candies (divided)

Blend shortening and sugars. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift the remaining dry ingredients together. Add to sugar and egg mixture, mix well. Stir in 1 cup M&M candies, reserve the remaining candies for decorating.

Drop from teaspoon on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.

There are some common cookie problems that can creep up, even though the recipe is good. Here are some issues and what may cause them:

Uneven browning: Not using shiny cookie sheets or not allowing at least 2 inches on all sides of cookie sheets in oven.

Soggy cookies: Cooling cookies in pans instead of racks.

Excessive spreading of cookies: Dropping cookies onto hot cookie sheets, not chilling dough, or not baking at the correct temperature.

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