COOKIES 'N' CREME DROPS

Cookies 'n' Creme Drops

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate; coarsely chopped
2 1/3 cups flour
1/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 of 13 ounce bag Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme
    Nuggets, 18-20 nuggets, coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In bowl set over pot of hot, not simmering, water melt chocolate until smooth; set aside. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt; set aside.

In bowl with mixer at high speed beat brown sugar, butter, shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Reduce speed to low; beat in egg, yolk, and vanilla until just combined. Beat in reserved chocolate until smooth. Beat in reserved flour mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, until just combined. Stir in candy.

Drop by scant 1/4 cupfuls 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake 12-14 minutes or until cookies are just set and edges look dry; do not overbake. Cool completely on sheets on rack.