Chocolate Crinkles

Chocolate Crinkles

This recipe was one of a collection from a baking class my mom took, and also one I clipped from Midwest Living circa 2002 (it noted that the pastry chef from Sanford in Milwaukee makes them with her son).  They're great for Christmas, or any time - it's kind of like a chewy brownie in cookie form. 

2 c. granulated sugar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

2 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

2-1/4 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat sugar, oil, chocolate and vanilla until combined.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.  Slowly incorporate into wet ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate, at least 3 hours.  Preheat oven to 350℉.  Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar and place on greased cookie sheet (or on parchment). Bake until almost no indentation remains the touched, about 10-12 minuets.  Makes about 6 dozen cookies. 

Peanut Blossom Cookies

Peanut Blossom Cookies

These are a staple around the holidays, and great for keeping the littles busy unwrapping the kisses and squishing them onto the freshly baked cookies.

1 bag (8 oz) Hershey's kisses (original or hugs)
1/2 c. shortening
3/4 c. crazy peanut butter
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
granulated sugar for rolling cookies

Preheat oven to 375℉.  Remove wrappers from kisses.  Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well-blended.  Add 1/3 c granulated sugar and brown sugar, beat until light and 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" balls and roll in granulated sugar.  Place on uncreased cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a kiss into the center of each cookie (cookies will crack around the edges).  Cool completely.  Make about 4 dozen cookies.