Chocolate-Hazelnut Smooches

Recipe by cakechick, Premium Member, © 2007 Sarah Phillips CraftyBaking.com

INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour; spoon into measuring cup and level to rim 
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread or Nutella Brand
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup orange sanding sugar
1 (9-ounce) package of chocolate candy kisses, unwrapped (recommended: Hershey's)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Position an oven shelf to the middle of the oven. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another medium bowl, place the chocolate hazelnut spread, butter, and both sugars. Using a hand mixer, cream the ingredients together, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.

4. Shape the cookie dough into walnut-sized balls. Rolls the balls in orange sanding sugar, pressing to adhere.

5. Place the cookies on a non-insulated cookie sheet about 4 inches apart. Bake for 8 minutes.

6. Remove the cookies from the oven. Quickly place a chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie.

7. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for another 3 minutes.

8. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.