Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is a classic treat that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the nostalgic delight of a chocolate kiss nestled on top. These cookies boast a perfect balance of chewy and soft textures, combined with a sweet, slightly crunchy sugar coating that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, providing the ideal texture, sweetness, and peanut buttery goodness that makes these cookies stand out.
- Butter (½ cup / 1 stick): Adds richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Helps to sweeten the dough evenly.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth for chewy softness.
- Peanut butter (1 cup, not natural): The star ingredient, creamy and sweet to give that signature flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding structure.
- Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons): Enhances the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups, spooned and leveled): Forms the cookie’s base, ensuring the perfect texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of rise and lightness.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup, for rolling): Coats the dough balls to create that delightful sugary crust.
- Hershey’s Kisses (40 pieces): The iconic chocolate topping that completes each cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Start by combining the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie base packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the peanut butter until fully incorporated. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything combines into a smooth, creamy batter that’s bursting with peanut butter goodness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, forming a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Roll
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scoop out portions of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and roll each into a ball. Then, roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar for a sweet, crackly crust that adds texture and sparkle.
Step 6: Bake and Add Kisses
Arrange the sugared dough balls on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look slightly soft. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, gently pushing down to create a signature blossom shape.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool, melding the peanut butter and chocolate flavors into one dreamy bite.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic Hershey’s Kiss is already a beautiful garnish, you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to elevate the sweet and salty contrast. Alternatively, a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a festive touch perfect for holiday gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, of course, but they also shine when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They’re the ultimate cozy treat that complements many beverages and desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange your Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe cookies on a festive platter or stack them tied with a pretty ribbon. You can also serve them in small paper cupcake liners for easy grabbing or create a cookie jar layered with these beauties ready for any sweet craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them perfect for preparing ahead for events or simply enjoying over several days.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies even longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies last for up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked texture, gently warm the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back the soft, melty chocolate and tender peanut buttery bite that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties, as natural peanut butter’s oil content can change the dough’s consistency, making it harder to handle and altering the texture of the cookie.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses on hand?
No worries! You can substitute with chocolate chips pressed into the center after baking, or even a small piece of chocolate bar. The cookie will still deliver that wonderful chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Why do we roll the dough balls in sugar?
Rolling the dough in granulated sugar before baking creates a subtle crunchy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft, chewy cookie inside. Plus, it adds an attractive sparkle that makes these cookies visually appealing.
How long do Peanut Butter Blossoms last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh and delicious for up to one week at room temperature. They’re perfect for baking in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, nostalgic treat that combines peanut butter and chocolate in the most delightful way, this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is your answer. It’s simple, fun to make, and guaranteed to bring smiles at any gathering. Trust me, once you’ve made these cookies, they’ll quickly become your favorite baked treat to share and enjoy!
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Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic, soft peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a signature Hershey’s Kiss. These delightful treats combine creamy peanut butter with a slightly crisp edge, offering a perfect balance of rich flavor and chewy texture. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or any time you crave a nostalgic sweet.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural peanut butter)
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For Rolling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Topping
- 40 Hershey’s Kisses (about half an 11-ounce package), unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Pour the ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling into a small bowl. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.
- Press Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, gently flattening slightly.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture; natural peanut butter’s oiliness can alter dough consistency.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Roll the dough balls generously in sugar for a crisp, sweet outer layer.
- Press the Hershey’s Kiss while the cookie is still warm so it adheres properly.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
