Christmas Cookie Countdown *Pick-Your-Middles*

These are one of kids' favorite cookies, but I'm not sure if it the actual cookie that they like or the candy that they get if it's left over :)

This is a simple peanut butter cookie. You choose which candies you want to press into the middles before baking. Today, I used Rolo candies and plain old Hershey's Kisses. I have also used mini peanut better cups as well as other flavors of kisses in these and they always turn out great. Even the youngest of kids can press a piece of candy into the center of these cookies, making it a great activity for holiday baking!

This is my all time favorite peanut butter cookie recipe. To make them plain PB cookies, roll the balls in sugar and make a cross cross design on the tops with the tines of a fork. Bake as directed in this recipe :)

Recipe:

1 cup shortening

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

various unwrapped candies for the middles

Cream shortening and peanut butter. Add sugars and vanilla, mix again. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Scoop into balls the size of walnuts and place on a cookie sheet. Press on candy into the center of each cookie. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops just start to brown.

When these come out, I spread the rolos or peanut butter cups with a butter knife so that you can tell what kind of candy it is.

Happy baking!