Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie recipe that marries the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate. The iconic look of a peanut butter cookie topped with a Hershey’s Kiss in the center makes these cookies a favorite for holidays, parties, and everyday treats. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a go-to for you and your family. Read on to discover how to make these classic cookies, complete with tips and tricks to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

What are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft, chewy cookies made primarily with peanut butter, sugar, and flour. After baking, a Hershey’s Kiss is pressed into the center of each warm cookie, giving it its signature appearance. The combination of the slightly salty peanut butter cookie and the smooth, sweet chocolate kiss creates a delightful flavor and texture contrast that has made these cookies a favorite since their invention in the 1950s. They’re easy to make, require only a few ingredients, and are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

• ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms (Detailed)

1. Peanut Butter: The key ingredient, peanut butter provides the signature nutty taste and creamy texture of these cookies. Both smooth and crunchy peanut butter work, depending on whether you prefer a bit of crunch or a totally smooth cookie.
2. Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
3. Granulated Sugar: Used in both the dough and to roll the cookies in before baking, sugar contributes sweetness and a slight crunch on the outside of the cookie.
4. Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, helping keep the cookies soft and chewy.
5. Egg: Provides structure to the cookie and helps bind the ingredients together.
6. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and balances out the richness of the peanut butter and sugars.
7. All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, flour gives structure to the cookies.
8. Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become soft and puffy.
9. Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
10. Hershey's Kisses: The star of the show! Pressing a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie gives it that classic Peanut Butter Blossom look and taste.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to change things up or accommodate dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Nut Butter Substitutes: If you or someone you're baking for has a peanut allergy, try using almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cookies hold together.
• Different Kisses: While traditional Peanut Butter Blossoms use Hershey's milk chocolate kisses, you can experiment with dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even white chocolate kisses for a unique twist.
• Sugar-Free Option: For a lower-sugar version, you can substitute the granulated and brown sugars with a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. Keep in mind, this may slightly alter the texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix 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 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 fully incorporated. The dough will be thick.
5. Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your hands to form smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
6. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Press the Hershey’s Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges as you press the chocolate in – this is perfectly normal and gives the cookies their signature look.
9. Cool and set: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will soften from the heat of the cookie but will harden again as they cool.

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

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. This helps make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients First: Creaming the butter, peanut butter, and sugars ensures the cookies have the right amount of air whipped into them for a light, chewy texture.
3. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Don’t dump all the flour in at once. Add it slowly to avoid over-mixing, which could make the cookies tough.
4. Shape and Coat the Dough: Rolling the cookie dough in sugar adds a lovely, sweet crust on the outside of each cookie, providing a delicious contrast to the soft interior.
5. Bake and Press: Timing is key here. Bake the cookies until they are just set, then immediately press the Hershey’s Kiss into the center while the cookies are still hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: One of the most common mistakes is baking the cookies for too long. The cookies should be slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
2. Pressing the Kisses too late: Don’t wait until the cookies are cool to add the Hershey’s Kiss. You want to press it in while the cookies are still warm so it slightly melts into the center.
3. Not using softened butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, leading to dense, flat cookies. Be sure to let your butter come to room temperature before starting.
4. Skipping the sugar roll: Rolling the dough balls in sugar before baking isn’t just for aesthetics – it adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to the outside of the cookies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are versatile cookies that can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion:

• Holiday Platters: Arrange them on a festive tray with other classic cookies like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate chip cookies for a holiday treat.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in a decorative box or tin, lined with parchment paper, for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Cookie Bars: To change up the presentation, you can press the dough into a square baking pan and make Peanut Butter Blossom bars. After baking, slice into squares and press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each piece.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are best served at room temperature, allowing the cookie to maintain its soft texture and the chocolate kiss to stay firm but slightly melty. Serve them on a dessert table alongside a glass of milk, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy and indulgent treat.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Holiday-Themed Kisses: Use Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in colorful foil to match the season. Red and green for Christmas, silver for New Year’s, or pastel-colored kisses for Easter.
• Tiered Cookie Tray: For parties, stack your cookies on a tiered tray to add some height and make them look extra special.

Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe Tips

1. Chill the Dough for Firmer Cookies: If you want thicker cookies that spread less, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
2. Double the Batch: These cookies disappear quickly! If you’re baking for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe.
3. Storing Cookies: Store your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Why did my cookies flatten?
A: Cookies can flatten if your butter was too soft or if you overmixed the dough. Try chilling the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a beloved cookie for good reason – they’re easy to make, visually appealing, and utterly delicious. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this classic recipe is sure to be a hit. Follow these steps, tips, and variations to bake the perfect batch every time. Enjoy!

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