Our third Christmas cookie is mom’s kiss cookie. While I don’t think of this as a Christmas cookie since I make them all year long, when I ask the kids what kind of cookies they want for Christmas, this is always near the top of the list.
The real name is a Peanut Blossom which makes absolutely no sense to me, but I was not in charge of naming cookies that year. Kids love this cookie. There is not a terribly strong peanut butter taste, just enough to give a good counterbalance to the kisses.
I really do not enjoy unwrapping kisses, so this is a great cookie to make with eager helpers. As a matter of fact, my favorite Gkid, you know the one, was here last week and she helped make this batch with me. Fortunately I had lots of kisses, because I think for every one she unwrapped for the cookies, another one disappeared into her mouth. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
Hershey keeps making new flavors of kisses and I think it would be fun to try other options as long as they go with peanut butter. I’m going to try the caramel next. You can picture it, can’t you. If not, the Hershey Hugs might be fun visually. Keep me posted if you have luck finding a good combination.
Sift together:
1 3/4 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cream together:
1/2 cup Crisco
1/2 cup peanut butter
Gradually add:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
Cream well.
Add:
1 unbeaten egg
1 teaspoon vanilla, beat well
Blend in the dry ingredients gradually; mix thoroughly. Shape dough into balls about the size of a walnut. Have a shallow bowl of granulated sugar on your counter and place the dough balls into the sugar. Roll them around and place on a greased baking sheet.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Top each cookie with a mild chocolate kiss, pressing down firmly so cookie cracks around the edges. Return to oven. Bake 2 to 5 minutes longer until golden brown. Makes about 3 dozen cookies. Cool.
* from the Recipe Box:
Be sure to firmly press in those kisses. They need to be one with the universe or they won’t stay in the cookie.
and remember: Some girls are born with glitter in their veins. Big kiss, Lynn
From the Recipe Box 