Hidden Kiss Cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa
48 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 350*F. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla in large bowl until creamy. Stir together flour and cocoa; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Mold scant tablespoon dough around each chocolate piece, covering completely. Shape into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
2. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool about 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Roll in powdered sugar. Roll in sugar again just before serving, if desired.

Photo courtesy of hersheys.com.

My sister Jennifer is getting married next month, and for her bridal shower we had a kiss cookie theme. We had some traditional peanut butter blossoms and two varieties of what I call hidden kiss cookies. I made the above chocolate variety and my sister Andrea made an almond variety. Both were delicious! I was feeling lazy, so I didn't roll my cookies in the powdered sugar, but I was thinking that for holiday occasions, I might roll these cookies in colored sugar sprinkles. I think that would be fun.

Also, I tried to find caramel kisses but failed. But I think the caramel kisses would be extra delicious. Although in their absence, one could use rollos or even mini peanut butter cups--yum!