Almond Cookies With Kisses

http://odense.com/index.php?page=recipe&id=52

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 10  ounces  Hershey chocolate kisses
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 7  ounces almond paste, grated
• 3⁄4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1  cup sugar, divided
• 2  large  egg whites, room temperature
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F with rack in center. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Unwrap Kisses.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Combine grated Almond Paste, butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar in mixing bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes, or until soft and fluffy.
4. Add egg whites and vanilla. Beat until well mixed.
5. Mix in flour mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
6. With a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, scoop enough dough to form a 1-inch ball.
7. Roll dough between palms to make balls. Roll balls in remaining 1/2 cup of sugar.
8. Place balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between for spreading.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until bottoms are light golden. Gently press a Kiss™ in center of each warm cookie. Remove cookie to wire rack to cool. Store in airtight container between wax paper for 3-4 days.