Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic cookie that brings together two timeless flavors: creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, creating the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a little crunch in every bite. Whether you're baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or just because you love the peanut butter-chocolate combo, Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to be a hit. The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Keep reading to learn how to make these iconic cookies step-by-step.

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are peanut butter cookies that are rolled in sugar and baked until soft and golden. As soon as they come out of the oven, a Hershey’s Kiss is pressed into the center of each cookie, creating a “blossom” shape. The heat from the cookies slightly melts the chocolate, giving you a soft, gooey center with every bite. These cookies have been a favorite at holiday cookie swaps and bake sales for decades, beloved for their rich, comforting flavor and eye-catching appearance.

Ingredients List for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 24-30 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or margarine and dairy-free chocolate candies to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Peanut Butter Blossoms.
• Sugar-Free Option: You can use a sugar substitute for both the granulated and brown sugar to make a lower-sugar version. There are several baking-friendly sweeteners available that work well in this recipe.
• Almond Butter Variation: If you're allergic to peanuts or want a different flavor, almond butter can be used in place of peanut butter for a slightly different, but equally delicious, cookie.
• Chocolate Variation: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, try using mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, or even dark chocolate squares for a twist on the classic.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Shape the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, ensuring the entire surface is coated.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and puffed up.
7. Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, creating the “blossom” effect.
8. 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. Be sure to let the Hershey’s Kisses set before stacking or storing the cookies.

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

Making Peanut Butter Blossoms is a simple process, but attention to detail will help ensure that the cookies turn out perfectly. First, make sure your butter is fully softened before creaming it with the sugars to create a smooth, light texture. When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Rolling the dough in sugar adds a beautiful sparkle and a sweet crunch, so don’t skip this step. Finally, pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm cookies immediately after they come out of the oven will allow the chocolate to soften slightly and create that signature gooey center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Peanut Butter Blossoms should remain soft and slightly chewy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, and pull them out when the edges are just set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Skipping the Sugar Roll: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar is essential for that classic sugary crust and a nice visual sparkle. It also adds a bit of crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cookie.
• 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. If you wait too long, the cookies will cool and harden, making it difficult for the Kisses to stick and sink into the cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual gatherings. They look especially beautiful when served on a festive platter. To make the cookies even more visually appealing, consider adding some holiday-themed Hershey’s Kisses, such as red and green foiled Kisses for Christmas or pastel Kisses for Easter. For a creative presentation, you can stack the cookies into a small tower or arrange them in a circular pattern on a plate.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

These cookies are best served at room temperature, but they’re also delicious when slightly warm, allowing the chocolate to remain soft and gooey. Serve them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate for the perfect treat. Peanut Butter Blossoms are also great as part of a holiday cookie platter alongside other classics like sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate chip cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

For a festive touch, you can dust the cookies with a light coating of powdered sugar once they’ve cooled, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra-decadent treat. If you’re making these for a specific holiday, consider using themed Hershey’s Kisses, like Halloween or Valentine’s Day designs, to match the occasion. You can also package the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe Tips

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. This will make it easier to cream with the sugars and create a light, fluffy texture for the cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
• Extra Chocolate: For a chocolate boost, add mini chocolate chips to the dough or sprinkle some around the Hershey’s Kiss after pressing it into the cookie.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, the cookie dough can be frozen and baked later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls, or freeze the baked cookies once they have cooled completely. For the dough, freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake as usual. If freezing the baked cookies, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I keep the Hershey’s Kisses from melting?
The Kisses will soften from the heat of the cookies, but they shouldn’t melt completely. If your kitchen is very warm, you can refrigerate the cookies for a few minutes to help the chocolate set after pressing it into the cookies.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter, which tends to be more oily, can make the dough too soft and affect the texture of the cookies. It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe.

What’s the best way to store Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I use different candies instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! You can replace Hershey’s Kisses with chocolate stars, peanut butter cups, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate. Whether you're baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to please. With their soft, chewy texture and iconic Hershey’s Kiss center, Peanut Butter Blossoms are not only delicious but also fun to make and share. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy this classic, crowd-pleasing treat!

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