Candy Cane Blossoms

This recipe comes from Hershey's.  It's a new one for me, and what I'll be bringing to our annual cookie exchange this year.  The kids discovered that they are delicious warm, especially since the kisses melt if you touch them and form a sort of gooey icing. 

48 Hershey's Kisses Candy Cane Candies, wrappers removed.
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 T. milk
Red or green sugar crystals, granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Line a cookie sheet w/ parchment paper.

Remove wrappers from candies.  Be sure to do this ahead of time because you will need to work quickly when adding the candies later on.

Cream butter and sugar together.  Add egg and vanilla.  In another bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt.  Add to sugar mixture, alternating with the milk.  Beat until well blended. 

Shape dough into 1 in. balls and roll in desired sugar.  Place on cookie sheet. 

Bake 8-9 min. till cookies are set.  Let cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes.  Then, press one kiss into the center of each cookie.  Remove from sheet to a wire rack to cool.  Makes about 4 dozen cookies.