• Preheat oven to 350℉. Gather all your tools and ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
• Using a nut chopper, coarsely chop 1 cup chopped pecans.

Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together 2/3 cup vegetable shortening, 2/3 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar. Add 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix well.
• In a small bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add to creamed mixture and beat well. Scrape bowl with spatula as needed.
• Fold in chopped pecans, 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, and 10 oz. plain M & M candies until incorporated.

Drop and Bake the Cookies

• Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Bake in preheated oven for 10-14 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks. Makes 36-48 cookies.