Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms- Take 2.

We had our neighborhood ice cream social today. It was great to see a ton of our neighbors come out, have all the kids playing, being able to talk to each other, get to know each other a little more and have a ton of dessert and ice cream. The kids- I’m sure- had a ball. I think my daughters had enough dessert to last them the entire week. Seeing everyone out and socializing was so great to see and definitely very different from what it was like when we first moved in.

We moved to WA in January of this year, the same week Seattle experienced a pretty crazy snow storm. I think it was the worst snow storm they’ve had since 1985 or something like that. . there was reported snow accumulation of 6 to 14 inches, some people lost electricity, people were stuck at home and everything basically shut down. Welcome to the Pacific Northwest!

For the most part that week, I was snowed in as well – in temporary housing in downtown Seattle. To say I went stir crazy that week is an understatement. We were supposed to move into our house later that week (I think it was only delayed by a few days due to the weather). So, anyway, all of our boxes and furniture arrived. Thank God the movers were used to moving in this kind of weather and knew exactly what to do . . although I think it took them over an hour to get up a very slight hill to get to our house. For whatever reason, I think they didn’t want to break out the chains for the tires, which is what they ended up having to do.

For the first couple of months, I thought we lived in a ghost town. Didn’t see anyone, hardly any of our neighbors, no kids, no people outside period. The weather was pretty dreary, it was cold and raining and snowing a lot so I get it. . But then. . on the first sunny day. . it was like we were transported to a different place. . smiling people came out of their houses, kids were playing in the street, riding their bikes, playing with bubbles and laughing. . I met a lot of my neighbors that day. All of them so great and nice! I breathed a little easier that day thinking, “We found a good neighborhood for the kids and I have neighbors! Hooray!” 🙂

So, today was so much fun. . we live in a great, little culdesac. . people came out and brought ice cream, candy, cookies, chips and everyone had a great time! Hoping this is the start of getting to know each other a little more. . it’s always better when you know your neighbors and feel safe and AT HOME.

I’ve baked these before. . today was definitely a peanut butter blossom day. Hope you enjoy!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: cookies

Author: Hip Foodie Mom

Ingredients

• 48 HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 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
• More Granulated sugar for rolling the cookie dough in before you bake

Instructions

• Heat oven to 375°F.
• Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended.
• Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy.
• Add the 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. (Try to get your kids to help with this!)
• Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Remove the wrappers from the kisses and get them ready (while the cookies are in the oven)
• Immediately press a chocolate into the center of each cookie; the cookie will crack around edges.
• Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
• Makes about 2-4 dozen cookies (depending on how big or small you make the cookies)