2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened or melted
1/2 cup shortening (like Crisco)
3/4 cup granulated [white] sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons real vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups red hots or M&M candies
COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl and set aside. Beat butter, shortening, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; gradually beat in flour mixture. Add a spoonful or two of milk until the dough is the right consistency. Stir in candies. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE in preheated 375-degree [Fahrenheit] oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
FOR HIGH ALTITUDE BAKING (>5,200 feet): INCREASE flour to 2 1/2 cups; add 2 teaspoonfuls water with flour; reduce both granulated sugar and brown sugar to 2/3 cup
Here are some other recipes you can try:
Peanut butter cookies
Chocolate chip cookies
Gingerbread cookies
Sugar cookies
Oatmeal cookies
Or you can take a much easier way out and buy the dough already prepared in a roll! Lots of people like fresh-baked cookies but don't have the time to bake some themselves.