Fun, festive oatmeal cookies studded with colorful chewy gumdrops.

Gumdrop Cookies

1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup gumdrops, halved
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat shortening and brown sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir into wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Gently stir in gumdrops and oats.
4. Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto cookie sheets.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm on top and golden brown on the bottom.
6. Let stand on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes 24 cookies.