Chocolate Hug Me Cookies

1/2 c. vegetable oil
2/3 c. cocoa powder
1/4 c. melted shortening
2 c. granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 13-oz. bag Hugs candies

Mix oil, cocoa, shortening, and 2 cups granulated sugar. Blend in eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder and slat in a separate bowl. Add all at once to first mixture and blend thoroughly. Chill several hours or overnight. Drop balls about the size of a walnut into 1/2 c. granulated sugar. Roll in sugar, and place on greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes (do not overbake). Remove from baking sheet and press one Hug candy into center of each cookie. To prevent candies from sinking, immediately place cookies in refrigerator and allow to cool completely. Makes about 6 dozen cookies.