Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1

Adjust the oven racks to the upper and lower thirds and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray

Step 2

Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Beat the peanut butter, butter and shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to beat until incorporated. Add the flour mixture in two batches and beat on medium until incorporated. Fold in the peanut butter chips.

Step 4

Scoop out level tablespoons of dough, roll into balls and space about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. (You will need to bake the cookies in batches; allow the baking sheets to cool in between batches.)

Step 5

Bake until the bottoms and edges of the cookies are golden brown but the middles are still soft, about 10 minutes. (The cookies will bake a bit after they come out of the oven). Indent the warm cookies with the rounded bottom of a teaspoon. If using jelly, fill each indent with some jelly. Top each with a chocolate kiss candy.

Step 6

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a rack to cool completely.