Cappuccino Love Bites

These are called Love Bites because they have Hershey's kisses, or hugs, on top. They're called Cappuccino Love Bites because they have instant coffee crystals in them. These are yummy, but if you don't like coffee, you won't like these. They have a fairly strong coffee taste...and they might keep you up all night!



Prep: 25 min. Chill: 1 hr.
Ingredients:
• 1 c. butter-flavor shortening
• 1 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp. coffee-flavor liqueur or milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. instant coffee crystals
• 48 milk chocolate kisses with stripes or almonds

Directions: Beat shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add 1 c. of the sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until mixture is combined, scraping side of the bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, liqueur, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. If necessary, cover and chill dough in the refrigerator about 1 hour or until easy to handle. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease cookie sheets; set aside. Shape dough into 1” balls. Combine remaining 1/2 c. sugar and coffee crystals. Roll dough balls in sugar mixture. Place balls 2” apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake in preheated oven about 10 minutes, or until tops are cracked and sides are set; do not let edges brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. If desired, while chocolate is still warm, swirl it gently using your finger or a knife. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely. Makes 48 cookies.

For a free downloadable copy of this recipe, click here: Cappuccino Love Bites.

This recipe came from Better Homes & Gardens' 100 Days of Holidays email series. Incidentally, if you haven't already signed up for this email series, you should. They put it out every year and it includes tips for Halloween - New Years. They have recipes, decorations, gifts, etc. Really a great resource.