Christmas Peanut Blossoms

 

I.  LOVE.  CHRISTMAS.  COOKIES!!!

When I was growing up, baking cookies was an event

An all night, Frisina/Dahlkemper family event

 

3 kinds of cookies were always made:

Nana Helen’s cutouts

Peanut Blossoms

Press Cookies (ala Mr. Pete’s electric cookie press)

 

 

 

 

In recent years the tradition of baking together has fallen victim to the fact that all of us kids are now married/away/in school but the tradition of these cookies has not.

This year I decided to let Ren help … that is why there are no pictures – you try taking pictures while fingers are sneaking towards the dough mixing in the ‘will cut your fingers off’ Kitchenaid!

 

My “no pants” helper

How do kids KNOW that licking the batter off the spatula is the best part!?!?

Is it instinct?  Part of our evolution?

 

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

About 48 milk chocolate kisses

 

 

Combine all ingredients except kisses.

Blend well at low speed.

Shape into balls.

Roll in red and/or green sugar

Place on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 375˚ for 10-12 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Top each cookie with a candy kiss, pressing down firmly so cookie cracks around the edge.

Kisses become soft so they will need time (overnight) to firm up.

 

… mmmm … chocolate!