Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Few cookies are as iconic as Peanut Butter Blossoms. These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center are a staple at holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and bake sales. The combination of rich, nutty peanut butter and milk chocolate makes them irresistible, and their simple yet charming appearance makes them an easy favorite for all ages.

Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, Peanut Butter Blossoms are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe for these delightful cookies.

What are “Peanut Butter Blossoms”?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and baked with a Hershey's Kiss pressed into the center while they are still warm. As the cookies cool, the chocolate kiss slightly melts into the cookie, making for a perfect bite of peanut butter and chocolate. These cookies are especially popular during the holidays and are often found on cookie trays or as gifts.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these delicious cookies:

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• About 24 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate or dark chocolate)

Substitutions and Variations

Peanut Butter Blossoms are easy to customize! Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Different Chocolate Kisses: While milk chocolate Kisses are traditional, you can also use dark chocolate, almond-filled, or caramel-filled Hershey’s Kisses for a fun twist.
2. Peanut Butter Alternatives: For a peanut-free version, use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter.
3. Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you prefer more texture, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter.
4. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
5. Chocolate Chips Instead of Kisses: If you don't have Hershey's Kisses on hand, you can place a few chocolate chips in the center of each cookie instead.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy instructions to make a perfect batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to hold its shape.

5. Shape and Roll the Dough:

• Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls using your hands.
• Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until fully coated and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake the Cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops have cracked slightly.
• Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. The cookie will crack more as you press the Kiss into it, which is a signature look of Peanut Butter Blossoms.

7. Cool the Cookies:

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate Kiss will soften but will firm up again as the cookies cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfectly:

1. Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be soft and slightly chewy. Overbaking them can result in a dry texture. Keep an eye on them, and remove them when the edges are just turning golden.
2. Pressing the Kisses Too Late: Be sure to press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly and bond with the cookie.
3. Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature to ensure the dough mixes smoothly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are as fun to present as they are to eat. Here are some ideas for serving and displaying them:

• Holiday Platters: Arrange the cookies on a festive holiday platter along with other seasonal cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate crinkles.
• Gift Boxes: Pack the cookies in a decorative tin or gift box and give them as a homemade holiday gift.
• Party Favor Bags: Place the cookies in small, clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for an adorable party favor or holiday treat.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual family dessert, a holiday cookie exchange, or an after-school snack. Here are a few serving ideas:

• With Milk: Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• With Hot Cocoa: During the winter holidays, pair these cookies with hot chocolate or a spiced latte for a cozy treat.
• As a Holiday Dessert: Add them to your dessert spread alongside pies, cakes, and other cookies for a festive touch.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Decorative Platter: Arrange the cookies in a circle or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a bakery-style presentation.
2. Colorful Kisses: Use Hershey's Kisses with colorful foil wrappers (red, green, silver) to make the cookies more festive for the holidays.
3. Powdered Sugar Dusting: For an extra festive look, lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar just before serving.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to roll into balls, you can refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes to firm it up.
3. Storing the Cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, Peanut Butter Blossoms can be made a few days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking or freeze the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. To bake from frozen, just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. If freezing the baked cookies, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of Kisses?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate Kisses, almond Kisses, or even Hugs (white chocolate-striped Kisses) for a fun twist.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter in this recipe. Natural peanut butter, which tends to separate, may result in a different texture and could make the dough too oily.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic cookie recipe that never goes out of style. With their perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate, they are an easy and delicious treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and yields incredible results. So grab your ingredients, start baking, and enjoy these delightful cookies with friends and family. Happy baking!

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