Soft and Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies

Perhaps not a traditional Christmas cookie, but rather an old favorite with the kids, adorned with Christmas colored smarties so that it fits in with all the other seasonal treats. Substitute M&M's if you want, or even white or regular chocolate chips. They're versatile and delicious. Perfect for taking to Christmas school functions, because most kids will reach for something with chocolate and candy rather than shortbread.

Recipe for Soft and Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies
(adapted from What's Megan Making)
1 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (if using regular salt, use only 1/4 tsp.)
1 1/2 cups smarties, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until combined. Slowly add in the flour mixture while mixing on the lowest speed. Mix until just incorporated. Stir in 1 cup of the smarties, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a few of the remaining smarties into the dough balls before baking.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are set, but centers are still puffy. Let cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack.