Going back to teaching after a summer off is always quite a wake-up call. You see, we teachers get up early. In my case, crazy lady early. I like to fit my workout in first thing in the morning, so that means I’m up by 4:15 on most days. On the plus side, all I have to do after work is play and do homework with my kids, give them dinner, do baths, and put everyone to bed. And then grade lots of papers.
So yeah, it gets a little bit tiring. Especially after rising at the late hour of 6 A.M. during the warm summer months.
But hey, we always adjust! Human beings are super adaptable. In a week or so, I’ll be feeling no pain. Until then, sugar has to give me some extra energy. Hello, cookies!
![Chocolate Almond Blossoms](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blossom2-e1408842230830-1024x743.jpg)
One of my favorite cookies as a child were peanut butter blossoms. You know, the PB cookie with the Hershey Kiss in the middle? Classic. And still quite a winner! This cookie is an adaptation of that idea.
![Chocolate Almond Blossoms](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blossom3-e1408842178787-1024x702.jpg)
Last year, Hershey came out with chocolate spreads. They come in different flavors: plain, hazelnut (um, Nutella?) and almond. Almond is always a good idea, so I bought that spread and decided to make these! And they would have been good, but I made a mistake. I tried to take out the shortening and substitute butter.
![Chocolate Almond Blossoms](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blossom1-e1408842278612-1024x763.jpg)
Lesson learned, folks. Taking out shortening when a recipe specifically calls for it is a stupid idea. The cookies spread out flatter than DVDs and I was sad. So sad that I tabled this recipe for a few months. But now it’s back, and I made it correctly. And it’s great!
![Chocolate Almond Blossoms](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blossom4-e1408842128691-1024x797.jpg)
For even more fun, press an almond-filled Kiss into the middle. And use a splash of almond extract in the dough. Can’t you see we’ve got a theme here, people?
![Chocolate Almond Blossoms](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blossom6-e1408842004603-1024x936.jpg)
Here’s a fun addition to the cookie jar! Or plate. Or wherever you keep cookies in your house (um, hidden in my purse).
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup Hershey’s spread (chocolate almond flavor)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- extra sugar for dusting cookie dough
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses with almonds, unwrapped
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat shortening and Hershey’s spread. Add the sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until combined. Add egg, milk, vanilla and almond extract and beat again. Mix in the flour until fully incorporated.
Roll the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon) and then roll each dough ball in sugar. Place on the cookie sheets 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes.
When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of the cookie. Cool completely.
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I feel your pain, Mir! I’m up at 4:30 during the week because I start work at 7am. So by Friday nights, I’m pooped! But I’m sure it’s an adjustment for you since you had the summers off. Hopefully these cookies made it just a bit easier! I love that you used the Hershey’s spread in here. I haven’t tried it out yet, but it’s on my list to do so. And I think I would definitely hide this cookies in my purse so that I could keep them all to myself! 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…No-Knead Parmesan Foccacia Bread
The spreads are definitely good, but tough to bake with because they’re so high in sugar. Let me know if you think of something!
Friday night is definitely for crashing. I’m out by 8 PM!
these little cookies are so cute! i can imagine how good they would have tasted to.. loving all the hershey’s action going on!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Thalia @ butter and brioche recently posted…Earl Grey Tea Loaf Cake
Thanks, Thalia! I’m a big fan of cute. Cookies do tend to be adorable! 🙂
I love the sound of these, chocolate and almond. Yum! Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas recently posted…Damson Jam
Thanks, Laura!
I’m loving all of the almond goodness going on in these cookies! 🙂 I want to devour more than I’d like to admit!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife recently posted…White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino Bars
Almond is definitely one of my weaknesses!