These cheery and cute cookies will delight kids of all ages! I like to make fun foods but don’t care to spend a whole lot of time fussing. So the idea of using candy for the bears’ features was right up my alley.
Ingredients
3/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Additional sugar
30 miniature milk chocolate kisses
60 M&M’s miniature baking bits
Colored decorating icing, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt and baking soda; gradually beat into creamed mixture (dough will be crumbly).
Set aside about 1/2 cup dough for ears. Shape remaining dough into 1-in. balls; roll in additional sugar. Place 3 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten to about 1/2-in. thickness. Roll reserved dough into 1/2-in. balls; roll in sugar. Place two smaller balls about 1 in. apart touching each flattened ball (do not flatten smaller balls).
Bake 10-12 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven; immediately press one kiss and two baking bits into each cookie for nose and eyes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. If desired, pipe with colored icing.
