National Homemade Cookies Day is observed annually on October 1. If you are looking for an excuse to bake some homemade cookies, look no further.

 

I love to bake when the weather gets a little cooler so I found myself in an early baking frenzy a few weeks ago when the temps dipped slightly. Limited edition fall flavors like caramel apple and gingerbread were starting to hit the grocery store shelves and I turned into Betty Crocker for the weekend. 

 

I was the opposite of the Little Red Hen. I didn’t need anyone to help me bake my goods but I sure needed help eating them! My counters were covered with homemade cookies. 

 

My favorite homemade cookie recipe comes courtesy of the Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip bag. Or, as Friends’ Phoebe said, Neslay Toolhauser!

 

But my aunt made some cookies that surpassed even those: Peanut Butter Blossoms. Every family gathering in the 70’s and 80’s was not complete without Aunt Connie’s Tupperware filled with the delicious homemade cookies. 

 

My kids renamed them in the 90’s- they now go by Peanut Butter Kissie Cookies in our family- but Aunt Connie’s recipe remains unchanged. 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

•48 Hershey Kisses (milk chocolate)

•1/2 cup shortening

•3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

•1/3 cup granulated sugar

•1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

•1 egg

•2 Tbsps milk

•1 tsp vanilla extract

•1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

•1 tsp baking soda

•1/2 tsp salt

•1/3 cup granulated sugar, for rolling 

 

Directions:

 

1.Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2.Beat 1/2 cup of shortening and 3/4 cup of peanut butter in a large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar; beat until fluffy.

3.Add 1 egg, 2 tbsps of milk, and 1 tsp vanilla; beat well. Stir together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

4.Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in 1/3 cup of granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

5.Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolate into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to a wire rack. Cool completely.

 

So preheat the oven and bake up a batch of homemade cookies for your loved ones, a neighbor, or that new show cued up on your Netflix. Share your baking adventures using #HomemadeCookiesDay on social media. 

 

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and amateur baker. Share your favorite recipes at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. Bonus points if it’s chocolate!