Hidden Kiss Cookies-Take 2

A few weeks ago I posted a Hidden Kiss Cookie as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies.  At that time I used a recipe calling for powdered sugar and used Cherry Cordial Kisses.  I had also purchased some Mint Truffle Kisses and wanted to make cookies with them.  I decided to use another recipe that I had which called for regular sugar.  That recipe came from Pillsbury Festive Holiday Recipes, 1981.

Although the recipe calls for vanilla, I like to use a flavoring that corresponds to what will be the filling in the cookies.  Thus, I used mint flavor in these cookies.  Other things that can be used for filling are:    M&M’s plain or peanut, candied cherries, walnut or pecan halves, whole almonds, gumdrops, butter mints, etc.  The cookies can also be colored with food coloring if desired.

I don’t know if it was the difference in the dough, the kisses, or I was more practiced at getting the kisses completely covered, but I did not have any leakage with these cookies.

The cookies may be left plain, cooled 10 minutes and rolled in sifted powdered sugar, or dipped in the glaze.

Hidden Kiss Cookies Take 2
2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 1/3 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 t. vanilla or 1 t. mint, almond, or other flavoring
4 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
72 Hershey’s Kisses, about 1 1/2 bags or other desired filling

Cream butter and sugar together until well blended.  Beat in egg and flavoring.  Combine flour and salt.  Add to butter/sugar mixture and blend well.  Dough will be somewhat stiff.  Using level measuring tablespoonsful of dough, flatten the dough and then wrap around  kiss or other filling, rolling into a ball and encasing filling completely.  Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees 14 to 16 minutes until set and bottom is lightly browned.  Cool 10 minutes and roll in powdered sugar if desired or cool completely and top with glaze.  Makes 72 cookies.

Glaze
1 c. powdered sugar, sifted or put through a sieve
1 T. plus 1 1/2 t. milk
1 t. vanilla or other flavoring
food coloring if desired

Mix ingredients together until very smooth.  Let set for a few minutes.  Dip tops of cookies into glaze.  Let excess glaze drop off.  Place on wire rack with waxed paper underneath and let the glaze set.