Jazz up a classic drop-and-bake cookie! Add different candies and nuts to the dough before you bake.
Add the following to the dough before baking:
Classic Chocolate Chip--Add 2 Cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces and 1 Cup chopped walnuts.
Cranberry and Pistachio--Add 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces, 3/4 Cup dried cranberries and 3/4 Cup coarsely chopped lightly salted pistachios, toasted.
White Chip and Cashew--Stir 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel into the flour. Add 2 Cups white baking pieces and 1 Cup chopped cashews.
Red & Green - Add 2-3 Cups red and green M & M's.
Spiced Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip--Decrease the flour to 2 Cups and add 1 teaspoon apple pie spice with the sugars. Add 3/4 Cup rolled oats and 2 Cups semi-sweet chocolate pieces.
Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine butter and shortening; beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated and brown sugars, baking soda and salt; beat until combined. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat again. Gradually beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixture and stir in any remaining flour and the special ingredients listed above.
Drop by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack. Let cool. Makes about 48.