Chocolate Easter Thumbprint Cookies

Those who bake for a living or a hobby understand there is an art and a craft to it to doing it well. Baking is a science there is no doubt about it. For those of us who cook better than we bake - (me for example), take the shortest cut to a quick and easy dessert. I've found my baking talents to be on the side of struggle with complicated recipes, so the easier the better in my book. And I hate sifting! Hate it!
This recipe is born from a box cake mix and with some added elements I elevated it to a decent cookie dough and have created these Chocolate Easter Thumbprint Cookies. Super simple, not a lot of fussing and just something fun to do with the kids for an Easter baking project that won't break the bank. Speaking of that, our store had box Pillsbury cake mixes on sale for $1.00 each and guess who grabbed a small arm load?

• 1 box Pillsbury Devil's Food Cake Mix
• 3/4 stick softened butter
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• M&M's Easter Candies (I used the brand with the peanuts)

1. In a stand mixer or using a hand held mixer, cream the butter till fluffy and add in the brown sugar and mix well to combine.
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir with a spatula to make sure it's all incorporated.
3. Using a 1-inch scoop form round balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet, spacing at least 1-1/4 inches apart.
4. After you have made the balls, make a deep impression with your thumb. NOTE: because of the ingredients in the cake mix, these cookies puff back out so as soon as they come out of the oven take your index finger (even though it's hot) and gently push down for form the centers as necessary.
5. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes.
6. Immediately add 2 or 3 (depending on the sizes) of the colored MandM's.

You can save this recipe and do the same for any other holiday like Christmas. Just a fun easy project to bring you and your children in the kitchen together.