Peanut Butter Blossoms

For the past few years my friends and I have had a holiday cookie swap. It is so much fun to think of which cookie recipe you want to make. The best part is tasting everything and being able to take home a tin full of cookies that your friends baked. Each year it has evolved to include costume themes and has grown competitive for who will win the most votes for the best cookie. This year it was a holiday pj party, it's always nice to indulge while in comfy clothes. I decided to go with a traditional cookie since they always taste good, but I also didn't have time to try out a new recipe in case it was a bust. While these didn't win, I still enjoy peanut butter with chocolate any day!

Peanut Butter Blossoms
Yields: 48 cookies
Source: Hershey's Kitchen

Ingredients:
48 Hershey's kisses
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
additional granulated sugar

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around the edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.