Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Candies
Makes 64 candies

Prep Time: 25 min.
Chilling Time: 2 hrs.

Ingredients

• Candies
  • 1/2 - cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 - cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/4 - cup chopped peanuts
  • 1/2 - teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 - cups powdered sugar
  • 1 - bag (12-ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
  • 1 - Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon shortening
• Peanut Butter Icing
  • 1/2 - cup powdered sugar
  • 2 - Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • About 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1. In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup peanut butter, the butter, peanuts and vanilla.
2. Stir in 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until stiff dough forms. (Work in powdered sugar with hands if necessary.) If dough is crumbly, work in additional 1 tablespoon peanut butter.
3. Pat mixture in pan. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm.
4. Remove from pan, using foil edges to lift.
5. Cut into 8 rows by 8 rows.
6. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.
7. In 1-quart saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly.
8. Dip peanut butter squares, one at a time, into chocolate mixture.
9. Place on waxed paper.
10. Refrigerate uncovered about 30 minutes or until firm.
11. In small bowl, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
12. Beat in milk with wire whisk until smooth.
13. Stir in additional milk, if necessary, 1 teaspoon at a time, until thin enough to drizzle.
14. Drizzle icing over tops of chocolate-covered squares.
15. Refrigerate uncovered about 30 minutes or until firm.
16. Store candies loosely covered in refrigerator.