Coarsely chop 1 1/2 cup candies; reserve remaining for decoration. Beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla.
Add combined flour, soda and salt; mix well. Stir in chopped candies and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes. Remove from oven. Immediately press 3 reserved candies into top of each cookie. Makes about 5 dozen.