Secret Kiss Cookies

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As I’m sure most people do, I have a set list of must-bake cookies I have to make at Christmastime every year. Along with the Dolly Parton’s Sugar Cookies I blogged about last week, there's pine bark, peppermint bark, and angel bars. And most definitely, a big bunch of secret kiss cookies are an absolute must. 

Secret kiss cookies are made with a shortbread style dough packed with finely chopped walnuts, then rolled around a Hershey’s kiss, baked, and dusted with powdered sugar. They look innocent enough on the outside, but inside the wonderfully flaky buttery cookie is a nice big hunk o’ chocolate thanks to the
kiss in the middle. 

 
And let me tell you, something really magical happens to that kiss in the oven, making it far more delectable than if it was a plain old kiss out of the wrapper. I don't know what it is, but I like it.

I considered giving these to various coworkers but wasn’t sure if a seemingly innocent treat-filled cellophane bag labeled “Secret Kiss Cookies” may actually constitute an HR violation. I suppose pine bark will be more appropriate. (What’s pine bark, you ask? Only the most amazing Christmas treat maybe ever. I’ll make some and post about it soon!)

Meanwhile, the recipe for secret kiss cookies:

Secret Kiss Cookies

Makes about 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (two sticks)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup very finely chopped walnuts (I use an electric chopper)
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 11-ounce package of Hershey's kisses, unwrapped (some recipes call for a six ounce bag, but that's never enough for me. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the quality taste testing that is crucial while unwrapping.)
• Powdered sugar for dusting/rolling

Instructions:

1. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

   

2. Add the vanilla and mix well.
3. Gradually add the flour and walnuts and beat on low speed until just incorporated.
4. Refrigerate the dough for an hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
6. Pull the dough out of the fridge and roll a small amount of dough (about a tablespoon) around each kiss. I like to smoosh the dough just a bit in my palm, stick the kiss in point first, then wrap it around. You have to smoosh it a little to hide the kiss completely. (I keep using the word "smoosh," but it's very appropriate here!)

   

7. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and bake for about 11 minutes, just until set and the bottoms are a golden brown.

   

8. Let cool for about five minutes.
9. Roll in powdered sugar.

   Unintentional smiley face alert!

   

10. Let 'em cool, then they're ready to be packed up for friends, family, yourself, or co-workers! (But if you give them to co-workers, please do let me know if you heard from HR?!)
11. These freeze well, so feel free to make them now then save 'em until the big day.