Peanut Butter M & M Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a large sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, cream the shortening and peanut butter together. Add the sugar, brown sugar, egg, and milk; mix well.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture on low speed. Mix in the walnuts and M & Ms on low speed until combined or stir by hand.

4. Use a rounded tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. Place the dough about 2 inches apart on the sheet pan. Bake for 12 minutes. The cookies will be soft in the center but will set up upon cooling. Cool for 3 – 5 minutes on the sheet pan. Then remove to a wire rack. Makes 30 cookies.

*Save time before a party or holiday and freeze the cookie dough in advance.

Freezing Directions for Uncooked Dough

Shape the dough into balls (as directed) and place them on a sheet pan in one layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 2 – 3 hours. Label your freezer bag. (Be sure to include the baking directions.) Place the frozen dough in the freezer bag, remove the excess air, and seal tightly. Freeze for 2 months. (I recommend vacuum sealed bags.)

Thawing Out the Dough on Baking Day

Cover a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the frozen cookie dough on the sheet, about 2 inches apart. Let stand at room temperature for 45 – 60 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 12 – 13 minutes.