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A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon: Delicious, Easy Chocolate Candy Cookies

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, soccer practice, and dinner prep, finding time for anything extra feels like a luxury. But even amidst the chaos, I crave those little moments of sweetness, those small victories that remind me to breathe and enjoy the simple things. And that's where these chocolate candy cookies come in. They are my secret weapon against the everyday grind.

This recipe is incredibly easy, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Forget complex techniques and long lists of obscure ingredients. These cookies are all about simplicity and delivering maximum deliciousness with minimum effort. The beauty lies in their versatility; they are perfect for a quick after-school snack, a delightful treat for unexpected guests, or even a simple yet satisfying dessert to end a busy day. Honestly, these cookies are my go-to for any occasion that needs a little extra 'oomph'—be it a playdate, a family gathering, or just a quiet night in front of the TV.

The rich, decadent chocolate flavor is complemented by the satisfying crunch of the candy-coated chocolates. The recipe’s simplicity is a key feature that makes it achievable, regardless of my hectic schedule. There's nothing more satisfying than knowing you've created something delicious and comforting without sacrificing hours in the kitchen. And trust me, the look on my kids' faces when they see these cookies is worth every minute (or, in this case, every few minutes) spent baking.

I've adapted this recipe over the years, always striving for that perfect balance of ease and taste. The key is to not overmix the batter – a slight bit of imperfection is what makes these cookies so wonderfully unique. Each cookie is slightly different, some with more chocolate than others, each one a little piece of homemade happiness. The aroma alone is enough to bring a smile to even the grumpiest face – a promise of warmth, sweetness, and a well-deserved break.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember these cookies. They're more than just a recipe; they're a reminder to slow down, savor the small moments, and indulge in a little bit of self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes spent enjoying a delicious, homemade treat. And let's be honest, who can resist the irresistible combination of chocolate and candy? These cookies are a guaranteed mood booster, and that's a pretty sweet deal.

Ingredients you'll need:

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as m&m's®)

And that's it! Seriously. Now, go make some magic (and some cookies).

Step-by-step

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl and set dry ingredients aside.
• Cream brown sugar, shortening, white sugar, and butter together in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Mix at medium-high speed until creamy and light.
• Blend in eggs 1 at a time until thoroughly mixed.
• Add vanilla extract and water; blend thoroughly.
• Add dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture slowly while mixing until completely incorporated.
• Reserve 1/2 cup chocolate candy pieces and fold remaining candies into batter.
• Drop batter by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Press a few reserved candies onto the top of each cookie.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden, 7 to 9 minutes.
• Cool on a baking rack.