Bring on the Cookies!!!

So tonight is my 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. The soup is all made, the tables are all set, & the cookies are ready to be eaten. I'm so super excited!!! There will only be about 7-8 ladies there, but I know we're going to have a fabulous time! As a sneak preview here is the cookie recipe I tried...Mint Crinkles. I've already had a taste & they are definitley yummy--Andes Mints & cookies, how can you go wrong! I'll be sure to have lots of pics tomorrow!

Mint Crinkles

Ingredients
3/4 cup finely chopped layered chocolate-mint candies (about 4 ounces or 24 candies)
1/3 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Layered chocolate-mint candies, chopped

Directions
1. In a heavy small saucepan, heat and stir the 3/4 cup chopped candies until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Cool about 15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt; beat until well combined. Beat in cooled chocolate, eggs, and vanilla. Beat or stir in flour. Cover and chill 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using about 1 tablespoon of dough per ball, shape dough into 1-1/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until edges are set (tops should crackle). Sprinkle a few candy pieces on top of each cookie; do not press candies into cookies. Bake 1 minute more. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 36 cookies.
To Store: Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.