Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, shortening, peanut butter, milk, vanilla and egg; mix with electric mixer on low speed until stiff dough forms.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake at 375°F. for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately top each cookie with 1 milk chocolate candy, pressing down firmly so cookie cracks around edge; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour or until chocolate is set.

Expert Tips

The combo of shortening with the peanut butter ensures that the cookies stay chewy.

Chocolate kisses are the most traditional and favorite candy for blossom cookies, but you can press in mini peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolate candies, or large candy-coated chocolates for some variety. Just know that the warm cookies may crack a little more when you press in the chocolate candies.

Try rolling dough balls in coarse sparkling sugar instead of granulated sugar for a special look. Coarse sparkling sugar adds extra sparkle to holiday cookies and can be found in the cake decorating section of most grocery stores.

Flat cookie sheets made of shiny aluminium with a smooth surface produce the best results because they reflect heat, letting cookies bake evenly and brown properly. Rimmed baking sheets are excellent for many things, but not for cookie making.

To Freeze: cool cookies completely, about 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Place cookies in airtight container in single layer between parchment or waxed paper; cover. Freeze up to 2 months. To thaw, let stand, uncovered at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.