Valentine's Day Hidden Hugs Cookies

These sweet little treats would be a perfect gift for someone you love on Valentine's day. They are also a simple cookie that your kids can help make for a classroom party.

Ingredients

• 1 package Hershey's Hugs Chocolates (8 oz)
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup toasted almonds, finely ground (see note)
• Additional powdered sugar

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Remove wrappers from chocolate pieces. In large mixer bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until well blended. Stir together flour and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended. Add nuts, blend well. Mold scant tablespoon dough around each chocolate piece, covering completely. Shape into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until set. Cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely. Before serving, roll again in powdered sugar, if desired.

Note: To toast almonds, heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread almonds in thin layer in shallow baking pan. Bake 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown; cool.

By Carolyn from E Northport, NY