Pumpkin Spice Kissed Blossoms

Before I introduce you to these magical cookies, let's talk about the events leading up to their purchase. I was doing some blog stalking, when I read about Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses on Brooke's blog. As I gasped with excitement, I gchatted Amanda: "Omg, did you see Brooke's pumpkin spice kisses?!" She replied, "Yes, I need those!" Duh! I commented on Brooke's blog about running to Publix on my lunch break for them but she posted on my Facebook wall saying they were exclusive to Target. People, this was serious business. The Pumpkin Spice Kisses conversation went from her blog, to Gchat, to Facebook. And rest assured, BBM was used later.


As soon as I got home from work, I told Boding we were going to Target. I no longer have to ask him to go to Target with me - it is understood that he always wants to go. On the way there, I saw the most magnificent looking creature - a giant poodle! Thank goodness for stop lights because I really needed to snap a photo of him. 

No big deal, just a giant fluff ball walking down Rifle Range Road. Boding called me the "Epic Creeper" because I snapped another one. I loved him!

Once we got to Target, I realized that the gym would not be in my future because baking was my priority. We browsed the fitness section in search of something I could work out with back at home. How about a shake weight?

 Probably not a good idea. 

 I realized I was wasting precious baking time, and we migrated to the Halloween section. And there they were. Those tiny seasonal gems that would soon be incorporated into a cookie!

I also picked up a bag of these for fun:

So then Boding wanted his favorite candy: Sour Patch Chillers. But....they were out.

Somebody was not happy.

 Once we got home, it was baking time. These Hershey's kisses have a very intense pumpkiny flavor with a creamy center. At first they are overwhelming, but once you bite into the kiss, the creamy filling balances out the spice and then you just want to moan. And eat the remaining 62 pieces in the bag. For that reason, I knew the cookies in which I'd be placing the kisses would need to be very simple. As previously discussed with Amanda, we agreed that a light cinnamon sugar cookie would be best.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• dash of salt
• 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 24 Hershey's Pumpkin Spice Kisses

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325*. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium high for about 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer, then stir in the rest with the cinnamon.

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Please admire the runt cookie in the corner. I ran out of dough -- this should have made 24 balls but it only made 19 and a baby. I suppose I ate too much batter...

Using the bottom of your favorite glass, flatten balls. 

 

 Bake for 14 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Meanwhile, start unwrapping the kisses. Yes, I am a bit anal retentive at times, and I like things in order. I wish this was true for the inside of my car.

 As soon as the cookies are done, immediately press a kiss into the center. Transfer to a rack and cool. Enjoy!

 

Has anyone else found any fun Halloween candy that's new to them this year? Apparently these kisses came out in 2008. Where was my head then? Also, are you dressing up for Halloween this year?