Easter cookies

I've always struggled with sugar cookies. I just don't like them that much.. Christmas cut outs are fun to make but really not too much fun to eat. Those fluffy cakey sugar cookies from the grocery store, just two sweet.. But the m&m cookies from Panera? Perfection. I crave them and cannot pass them up when they're sitting next to the register tempting me. I wanted to make my own, but I had no idea what to search for... Well I'm happy to say I've found them!! The secret ingredient? Cream cheese! Who knew, right? They make a fantastic spring treat if you add some festive m&ms!

Cream cheese sugar cookies! From The Girl Who Ate Everything

-2 1/4 cups flour

-1 tsp baking powder

-1/2 tsp baking soda

-1/2 tsp salt

-1 1/2 cups sugar

-2 oz cream cheese

-6 tbsp butter (melted)

-1/3 cup oil

-1 egg

-1 tbsp milk

-2 tsp vanilla extract

-1 1/4 cup m&ms (I just threw most of the bag in minus the ones I ate while baking)

 Combine the dry ingredients and give it a stir. Set aside.

Mix sugar and cream cheese. They don't need to be completely incorporated but mix a little. Add in melted butter and mix. 

                                                

Add the rest of the wet ingredients and combine. It'll look like a lovely buttery mixture. The kind of color only sugar and butter can make. 

Begin mixing in the dry ingredients. Before they are all completely combined add the m&ms. 

If you're using a stand mixer or hand mixer you will probably end up with some broken m&ms. Stirring by hand will stop this but I was just too lazy to be bothered. 

Scoop out cookies. I made mine about golf ball sized. Roll the cookie balls in sugar (you'll probably need about 1/2 cup). I put sugar in a bowl and roll them around and then shake the bowl to completely cover the cookie. 

Smoosh with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350f.  Enjoy with a cup of milk or hot drink!