Chocolate Crackletops

I've made these several times over the years, but this time I added white chocolate and semi-sweet chips instead of the mini-m&m's.  They are great both ways, but the kids enjoy them more with the m&m's.

Chocolate Crackletops

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup butter

4 squares (1 ounce each) unsweetened baking chocolate

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups M&M's Chocolate Mini Baking Bits

Additional granulated sugar

Combine flour and baking powder; set aside.  In 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups sugar, butter and chocolate, stirring until butter and chocolate are melted; remove from heat.  Gradually stir in eggs and vanilla.  Stir in flour mixture until well blended.  Chill mixture 1 hour.  Stir in M&M's; chill mixture an additional 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Line cookie sheets with foil.  With sugar-dusted hands, roll dough into 1-inch balls; roll balls in additional granulated sugar.  Place about 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes.  Do not overbake.  Cool completely on wire racks.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Recipe courtesy of "100 Best Chocolate Recipes"