Peanut Blossoms

When I think of Christmas, so many things come to mind. I think of putting up the Christmas tree and my mom reminding me to "fluff the branches". I think of my personalized Pooh Bear stocking stuffed with goodies at my parents house. I think of my very first Christmas as Parker's wife. All of these things give me that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling, but one of the first things that comes to mind when talking about Christmas is making Christmas cookies with my Nana. My sisters and cousins would all go to my grandparents' house, and we would proceed to make countless cookies under Nana's supervision. She is the biggest reason I know how to bake and cook.

One of my favorite cookies we make are the Peanut Blossoms. I am in the minority here, but peanut butter is not my favorite thing in the world. It's fine, but I can only do so much. These cookies have the subtle peanut butter taste that I love with that rich chocolate taste that beats it all. I can't say enough good things about them, and boy is Parker a fan! He couldn't stay out of them, and I can't blame him...neither could I. :) Make them for a cookie swap or a Saturday night. You won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup Crisco
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 egg
2 Tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag Hershey kisses

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except Hershey kisses. Mix on lowest speed with electric mixer until dough forms.
3. Shape dough into balls using a rounded tablespoon full for each.
4. Roll balls in sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are golden.
6. Remove from oven and immediately top each cookie with a candy kiss. Press kiss down so the cookie cracks around the edges of the candy. Let cool and enjoy!