Beary Cute Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 10 min./batch

Makes

2-1/2 dozen

Updated: Oct. 22, 2022
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. —Susan Schuller, Brainerd, Minnesota
Beary Cute Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

  1. 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).
  2. 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).
  3. 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.