Valentine’s day cookies

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl cream together butter, shortening, peanut butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. 

Step 3

Add and eggs, mixing after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

Step 4

In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. 

Step 5

Stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix gently to combine. Don't over-mix. The dough will be very soft.

Step 6

Pour remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Scoop dough into balls and then roll in sugar.

Step 8

Bake for 7-10 minutes, just until set. They will be pale, and look just barely set.  Don't over-bake them or they will be hard once cooled. 

Step 9

Remove from oven and allow to cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, and then transfer to cooling rack. 

Step 10

Press an unwrapped Reese's heart to the center of each warm cookie. Allow cookies to cool completely.

Step 11

Store leftover cookies in a container at room temperature, or they freeze very well.