Turkish Hats; a.k.a. Black Eyed Susans; a.k.a. Peanut Butter Blossoms

Today's recipe swap at LifeAsMom is for "Christmas Must-Haves".

When I think Christmas recipes I always think cookies first. We have a strong tradition of Christmas cookies in my family. I remember Christmas cookie marathons as I was growing up. My mother, an aunt and their best friend would gather together and bake cookies all day from early in the morning until late in the evening.

The absolute must-have, it's-not-Christmas-without-them, cookie in our family is Chocolate Crinkles. But, since I've already posted that recipe, I decided I should post the second most must-have cookie recipe.

Growing up we always called them Turkish Hats - because that's what they look like. But, I've since discovered they have several names. I think most people call them Peanut Butter Blossoms. You can find one recipe with that name on the back of the bag of chocolate candy kisses. But recently I heard another name - Black Eyed Susans.

So whatever you call them -- here's our recipe.

Turkish Hats
(printable recipe)
 

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ Cup flour
• 1 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ Cup sugar
• ½ Cup packed brown sugar
• ½ C shortening
• ½ Cup peanut butter
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• extra granulated sugar
• 72 chocolate candy kisses

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except extra granulated sugar and chocolate kisses in mixing bowl.
2. Mix at low speed until dough forms.
3. Shape into balls - about 1 round tsp each.
4. Roll balls in granulated sugar.
5. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Bake at 375° for 9 minutes.
7. Remove from oven; top each with an unwrapped kiss, press firmly so cookie cracks around the edge. Remove to cooling racks.
8. Let cool.

Notes:
The original recipe said it makes 4 dozen. I've gotten as few as 3½ dozen and as many as 6 dozen - it all depends on how big you make your cookie.
I always find a small cookie scoop to be helpful when making cookies that get rolled in granulated or confectioner's sugar.
Some recipes call for returning the cookies to the oven; we have found this step to be unnecessary.

I'm curious - what do you call these cookies?


For our Chocolate Crinkle Recipe go here.

For more Christmas Must-Have recipes visit LifeAsMom.

You can also find lots more great recipes at:
Family Recipe Fridays at VanderbiltWife.
Recipe Swap at TheGroceryCartChallenge
Food on Fridays at AnnKroeker.
Friday Feasts at MomTrends.