Well, friends — February is upon us.  And yes… that dreaded and/or joyous holiday brought on by Saint Valentine is just a couple of days away.

I, personally, have always enjoyed holidays.  Valentine’s Day included — whether I had a valentine or not (which most of the time, I haven’t had one… more chocolates for me).

Valentine’s Day embodies two things I adore: showing love and sweet, delicious treats.  Most of the time it’s a one-two punch (“Heyyyy!  I made you these cookies because I love youuuu!”).

I discovered cherry M&M’s a couple of years ago and ever since then, try and stock up when I see them out around the holidays.  I’m not even a chocolate cherry person, but these are totally delicious.  Added in place of chocolate chips in a fluffy cookie?  SHUT UP.  So good.

If you can’t find cherry M&M’s, you can totally use any candy (or chip) of your choice.  These cookies were so easy to make and came out so fluffy — definitely adding this one to my “go to” list.

Have a happy Valentine’s day, friends!  Love, hugs, and lots of cookies.

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Makes approximately two dozen

Recipe adapted from Bisquick

You will need:

1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened

1 c. light brown sugar, packed

1 t. pure vanilla extract

1 egg, beaten

2 c. Bisquick

1 c. cherry M&M’s (available around Valentine’s Day — I’ve found them in my local grocery and big box stores)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment and set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream butter until light and fluffy.  Scrape down bowl with a spatula.  Add in brown sugar and mix well on medium speed, about 2 minutes.

3. Add in egg and vanilla.  Mix well.

4. Add in Bisquick, one cup at a time.  Mix until just combined.

5. Fold in M&M’s.

6. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets and bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown.  Let cool on cookie sheets 5 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.

Cookies will keep, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 3 days.