Psychedelic Witches Embedded in Asphalt Cookies!

There is a story...several years ago, Kelly and I were watching a new comedienne on television, I think it was the Tonight Show, but that's not important.  Anyway, in her skit she started talking about road construction and asked, "do you ever wonder about those orange cones that are put up? Well, those are psychedelic witches embedded in asphalt!"  We couldn't stop laughing and to this day, every time I see an orange cone, it still brings a chuckle.

Basically, these are a thumbprint cookie that I used a Caramel Kisses in the center instead of jam and I made it chocolate to look like the asphalt!

If I've learned anything in life...it's that life is short--laugh more!

Psychedelic Witches Embedded in Asphalt cookies!
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, separated
2 cups King Arthur all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Dutch-processed cocoa

Chocolate sprinkles
1 bag Hershey Kisses (I used caramel, but your choice!)
Orange Fine Sanding Sugar

Preheat oven to 350F-degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter.  Add the sugar and beat until fluffy.  Add the two egg yolks, saving the egg whites for later, and mix thoroughly.

Mix the flour, cocoa and salt in a small bowl, then, add to the creamed mixture and mix on low until combined.  

Use a fork to whisk the two egg whites, which will be used to dip the dough into to adhere the sprinkles.  Use a 1-tablespoon size scoop for measure and roll the dough into a ball, then, dip into the whisked egg whites and finally into the chocolate sprinkles.

To have a "place" for the Kisses, use a large wooden or metal spoon handle (or your thumb!) to create an indentation.  I used my metal ladle.

 Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes.  Remove from the oven and immediately place a Kiss in the center.  Let set a few minutes, then, sprinkle with Orange Fine Sugar.

This step gives it the psychedelic look of the orange construction cones.

Remove to a rack to cool completely before bagging these up little witches up for your special Tricksters.

Even while baking these, I'm laughing thinking about that evening and more laughter in this world is what I wish for. Enjoy!