Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Since I have been posting various recipes I made during Christmas, I knew I had to share this one.  One of the cookies Charlie always requests at Christmas time are these traditional Peanut Butter Kiss cookies.  There are several reasons I have no problem making them - they are quick, easy and always taste delicious: a soft peanut butter cookie with just the right amount of chocolate in each bite.  This is the traditional Hershey's recipe I've always used.

Hmmm, this cookie got all messed up.  I did the sacrificial thing and ate it.  Now, where is that milk?

Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies

• approx. 48 chocolate 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

Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates if needed.  Beat shortening and peanut butter in 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.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls.  Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.  Immediately press a chocolate into center of each

cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.