VALENTINE’S DAY and PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOM COOKIES

It is almost Valentine’s Day and what better valentine than one that is a special sweet treat made by you for the one you love.  You can even give them a sugary kiss at the same time.  Getting home baked treats always makes the receiver of the gift feel very special.  After all, you cared enough and took the time to make the gift yourself.  It’s a nice way to say “I love you.”  Peanut Butter Blossom cookies in a pretty box or tin make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift for anyone you share this day with; your spouse, your children, your dearest friend, Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa or your sister or brother, all those folks you love and care about.  Here is how to make them…

PEANUT BLOSSOM COOKIES

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.  No need to grease.

You will need 2 (10 oz) pkgs. chocolate kisses or other candy of choice once your cookies have finished baking.

Combine together in mixing bowl and beat until creamy

1 cup sugar

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup butter (or margarine but I think real butter is better here)

2 large eggs at room temperature

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup whole milk

2 tsp vanilla

Sift together and add mixing in dry ingredients until thoroughly blended.

3 1/2 cup flour

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

Shape dough into approximate 1 inch balls and roll into additional sugar.  You can use colored sugars for this if you choose.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Immediately press a chocolate candy kiss, miniature chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate candy heart into each cookie.  Allow to cool on baking sheet for about five minutes and then remove to cooling rack to finish cooling. 

To use as a gift simply place in a fancy container, one you may wish to even decorate yourself, add a pretty ribbon and there you have it.  “Happy Valentine’s Day.  I love you.”  You probably couldn’t say it in a sweeter way.

This recipe makes 6 to 7 dozen cookies.  It is a great recipe to use to make valentine treats for your children’s classroom party or to give to your child’s classmates and other friends wrapped in cello-wrap with a homemade heart valentine attached from your child.  Now tell me, what kid doesn’t love cookies and a cookie valentine can sure score points in a hurry.  Teachers like cookies too, just a hint here.