DIPPED PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

"Baking mix makes these soft, moist cookies a snap to stir up, yet they're pretty enough for parties. I'm often asked to bring them to wedding and baby showers, and they're popular around the holidays, too. I sometimes mix the dough the day before and chill it until I have time to bake the cookies."

1 cup peanut butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)
3/4 pound (3/4-1 lb) milk chocolate confectionery coating*
1 tablespoon shortening

In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, condensed milk, egg and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in biscuit mix; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Shape into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt confectionery coating and shortening. Dip each cookie halfway into chocolate; shake off excess. Place on wax-paper lined baking sheets to harden.

*Milk chocolate confectionery coating is found in the baking section of most grocery stores. It is sometimes labeled "candy coating" and is often sold in bulk packages of 1 to 1 1/2 lbs.

Makes 3 dozen cookies
From: Stephanie DeLoach, Magnolia, Arkansas
Source: Quick Cooking magazine, November/December 1998