I think this year so far (December 19th) I'm up to about 16 different recipes made so far. I save some of the items for the last minute as they don't freeze well. The problem with my large amount of baking is that by the time Christmas comes and I'm ready to make up goodie trays for my husbands employees, gifts for friends, neighbors and our own celebrations... sometimes a 'favorite' cookie has been raided by my family and I'm scrambling to make up another batch or two!
Peanut Blossoms are one of those items I know I'll be making at least 3 batches of. They are a huge favorite of most people. I normally do a triple batch and hope at least 20 of them make it to Christmas. Ha.
Peanut Blossoms
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c butter, softened
1/2 c peanut butter
1 egg
1 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
1 3/4 c flour
1 t baking soda
1/4 c sugar to roll
1 pkg. Hershey's Kisses or Chocolate Stars if you can find them
Beat sugar, brown sugar, butter and peanut butter in bowl til light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and salt; continue beating until well mixed. Add flour and baking soda. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in the 1/4 cup sugar. Place on ungreased or parchment lined cookie sheets.
Bake 8-10 minutes at 375 until lightly golden brown. Immediately press 1 chocolate kiss or star in center of each cookie. Remove to cooling racks.
*Traditionally these were made with chocolate stars. Personally, I haven't been able to find Chocolate Stars locally since we relocated to the deep South about 4 years ago. Perhaps they are easier to find in some regions or states than others? You can order them online - or just use Hershey's Kisses - which are pretty much available anywhere.
