Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a beloved holiday cookie, famous for their signature combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a delicious chocolate Hershey's Kiss. This timeless dessert is not only easy to make but is also a favorite among both children and adults alike. If you're a peanut butter fan, this recipe is a must-try! Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or just indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Read on to discover how to perfect this crowd-pleaser and make them a staple in your kitchen.

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic American cookies that marry two beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate. The cookie itself is a soft and chewy peanut butter dough rolled in sugar and baked to perfection. Right after being taken out of the oven, a Hershey's Kiss is pressed into the center, slightly melting into the warm cookie, creating a beautiful and tasty treat.

This dessert made its debut in the 1950s and quickly became a favorite at cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and potlucks. Over the years, the recipe has remained unchanged because, well, it's just that good!

Ready to learn how to make these delightful treats? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

To make a batch of perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need the following ingredients. These pantry staples make it a simple and straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any fancy techniques.

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – The butter should be at room temperature to easily cream with the sugars.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and texture to the cookie dough.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed – The brown sugar gives the cookies a rich, caramel-like flavor and keeps them chewy.
• ½ cup peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter works best for the smooth texture of the cookie.
• 1 egg – Adds structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise properly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling – Coats the cookie dough balls before baking, giving them a slight crunch.
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses – The iconic chocolate center of each cookie.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Blossoms is how versatile they can be. If you're missing an ingredient or want to try something different, here are some common substitutions and fun variations to explore:

1. Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The texture and taste will differ slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
2. Different Kisses Flavors: While the classic version uses milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, feel free to get creative with different flavors. Try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even the caramel-filled Kisses for a fun twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many gluten-free flours work perfectly in cookie recipes without altering the flavor.
4. Healthier Version: If you're looking to make a slightly healthier version, replace some or all of the sugar with coconut sugar, and try using a natural, unsweetened peanut butter. You can also use dark chocolate for a lower-sugar option.
5. Egg-Free Version: For those with egg allergies, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delectable cookies from scratch:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well-combined.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
5. Shape the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
7. Add the Hershey’s Kiss: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is normal. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve never made Peanut Butter Blossoms before, don’t worry—this cookie is very beginner-friendly! Here's a quick recap of how to perfect them:

1. Prepare and Preheat: Always start by preheating your oven and prepping your baking sheets. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: Creaming the butter and sugars properly is crucial to achieving the right texture. Beat them together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the dough.
3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately: This step prevents over-mixing, which can result in tough cookies.
4. Bake and Kiss: The magic moment comes when you press that chocolate Kiss into each warm cookie—be gentle but firm to create the signature blossom effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, resulting in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting.
2. Skipping the Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough in sugar before baking gives the cookies their characteristic slight crunch and added sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
3. Pressing the Kiss Too Early or Late: Make sure to press the Hershey's Kiss into the cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven while the cookie is still warm and soft. If you wait too long, the cookie will harden and you won’t get that iconic cracked appearance.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are best served slightly warm, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature. The key is to serve them when the chocolate is still slightly soft, offering that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can also store them in an airtight container for up to a week, and they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect treat for a variety of occasions:

• Holiday Parties: These cookies are a Christmas staple, often found on dessert tables at family gatherings or cookie exchanges.
• Everyday Snack: Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for an indulgent afternoon snack.
• Gift Giving: Package them in a festive box or bag, and they make the perfect homemade gift for friends, neighbors, and teachers.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed platter surrounded by candy canes or mini marshmallows.
2. Cookie Gift Jars: Layer these cookies in a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and include a holiday tag for a lovely homemade gift.
3. Tiered Dessert Stand: Display the cookies on a tiered stand for an elegant dessert table setup.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Swap Kisses for Mini Peanut Butter Cups: For a peanut-buttery twist, press a mini peanut butter cup into the center instead of a Hershey’s Kiss.
• Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they’ll continue to set as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.

Q: What type of peanut butter works best?
A: Creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe, but you can also use crunchy peanut butter if you want a bit more texture.

Conclusion

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a must-bake for anyone who loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to simple weeknight treats. Follow the tips and variations above to make them your own, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of baking these iconic cookies.

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