Festive Fudge Blossoms Recipes

PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or beaters, beat the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg and beat until incorporated, about 20 seconds more. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place about ½ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
• Roll the dough into tablespoon-size balls, then roll in the granulated sugar; place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until puffed, 8 to 9 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and lightly press a Hershey's kiss into the center of each cookie (the dough will crack slightly). Return the cookies to the oven and bake until the cookies are golden and the chocolate is glossy, about 2 minutes more. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining cookie dough, storing the dough in the refrigerator between batches. Store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The dough can be made and refrigerated up to a day ahead of time.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months: Roll the dough into balls and then roll in granulated sugar. Let set on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour, then place in a sealable bag and press out as much air as possible. Bake as needed directly from the freezer. (Allow 1 to 2 minutes longer in the oven.)

EAGLE BRAND FESTIVE FUDGE

Steps:

• In heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt chocolate chips with EAGLE BRAND® and salt. Remove from heat; stir in nuts (optional) and vanilla. Spread evenly into wax paper lined 8- or 9-inch square pan.
• Chill 2 hours or until firm. Turn fudge onto cutting board, peel off paper and cut into squares. Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

FESTIVE FUDGE BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Cut butter into cake mix in a large bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in egg and water until well blended.
• Shape dough into ½ inch balls; roll in walnuts, pressing nuts gently into dough.
• Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
• Bake for 12 minutes or until puffed and nearly set.
• Place chocolate star in center of each cookie; bake 1 minute more.

CHRISTMAS FUDGE

Steps:

• Line a 20 x 20cm cake tin with baking parchment. Tip the sugar, cream, butter and glucose syrup into a large pan. Warm over a low heat to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter, stirring occasionally.
• When the sugar has dissolved, put a sugar thermometer in the mixture, making sure the end is completely covered by the syrup - if it's not, transfer the mixture to a smaller pan that's still large enough for the syrup to bubble. Turn up the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to the boil, stirring occasionally to stop it catching. When the thermometer reaches 116C - or 'soft ball' stage, remove the pan from the heat.
• Leave the mixture to stand, undisturbed, for 5 mins, until the temperature drops to 110C, then stir in the vanilla bean paste, mixed spice, mixed dried fruit and peel, the orange zest and a good pinch of salt.
• Remove the thermometer, then vigorously beat the mixture with a wooden spoon, checking the temperature every minute or so until it drops again to about 60C. By this time, the mixture will be really thick and have lost its glossy shine. Take the thermometer out and continue beating the mixture for a few more minutes. This part is crucial as it helps create small sugar crystals that give the fudge its smooth, creamy texture.
• Quickly pour the fudge mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using a spatula. Leave to cool overnight at room temperature - don't put it in the fridge, as it will become sticky and won't set properly. Cut into 36 bite-sized pieces. Will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months.