Christmas Party Cookies

My mother always made lots of cookies, bars, and fudge at this time of year. After she died, I got all her recipes. These cookies are my brother's favorite. His wife makes them every Christmas since my mom isn't here to do them! They've quickly become my boys' favorite, too.

Christmas Party Cookies

1 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 cups M&M's (you can use red and green ones for Christmastime)

Blend shortening and sugars in a large bowl. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredients together; add to mixture, blending well. Stir in 3/4 cups M&M's. Drop by tsp. on ungreased baking sheet; decorate tops with remaining candy. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Some cracking may occur. Makes about 72 (2 1/2 inch) cookies