Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you love the combination of sweet, creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, classic peanut butter blossoms are the cookie for you! These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss are a staple in many homes, especially during the holidays. With their iconic look and delicious flavor, peanut butter blossoms are a crowd-pleaser at cookie exchanges, parties, or any occasion. Let’s dive into this timeless recipe, and be sure to read the entire article for tips, tricks, and answers to frequently asked questions!

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut butter blossoms are a beloved cookie that combines a soft, peanut butter base with a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss placed on top. As the cookies bake, the chocolate kiss melts slightly, creating a gooey, rich center that contrasts perfectly with the chewy peanut butter cookie. First created in the 1950s, these cookies quickly became a favorite for their simple preparation and classic flavor combination.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and creates a tender cookie.
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, giving the cookies their signature flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the cookie dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough and gives it stability.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and ensures a light texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Coats the dough balls for a slightly crisp exterior.
• 36-48 chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: These will be placed on top of each cookie, making them instantly recognizable.

Substitutions and Variations

Peanut butter blossoms are a versatile recipe that allows for creative substitutions and variations. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Crunchy peanut butter: For added texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. This will give your cookies a bit of crunch with every bite.
• Dark chocolate kisses: If you prefer a less sweet version, substitute the classic milk chocolate kisses with dark chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or another type of chocolate.
• Flour alternatives: To make gluten-free peanut butter blossoms, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Nut-free option: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter alternative.
• Sugar alternatives: For a lower sugar version, you can use sugar substitutes like coconut sugar or a blend of sugar-free alternatives, but be aware that the texture may change slightly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make classic peanut butter blossoms, step by step.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the peanut butter and egg: Beat in the creamy peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Roll the dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, coating it evenly.
6. Bake the cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to crack on top but still soft in the center.
7. Add the chocolate kiss: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is normal and part of the signature look of peanut butter blossoms.
8. Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

1. Mix the wet ingredients: Start by creaming together your butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth, even texture in the finished cookies.
2. Add peanut butter and vanilla: Incorporate the peanut butter and vanilla extract, which provides the rich, nutty flavor that defines peanut butter blossoms.
3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Slowly mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to maintain a soft, tender texture.
4. Roll in sugar: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking gives the cookies a slightly crisp, sugary coating that contrasts perfectly with the soft peanut butter dough.
5. Add the chocolate kiss: Pressing a chocolate kiss into each cookie while they’re still warm allows the chocolate to soften slightly, creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the cookies: Peanut butter blossoms should be soft and chewy, not dry or crumbly. Be sure to take the cookies out of the oven when they are just set and still soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Not pressing the chocolate kiss in quickly enough: You want to add the chocolate kiss immediately after the cookies come out of the oven. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly and adhere to the cookie.
• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is softened before starting. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, which can result in dense, uneven cookies.
• Skimping on sugar for rolling: Rolling the dough in sugar before baking is what gives these cookies their signature slightly crispy exterior. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut butter blossoms are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as an after-dinner treat. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting them beautifully:

• Holiday platters: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread men for a beautiful dessert display.
• Gift boxes: Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper. Add a festive ribbon and a personalized note for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Pair with milk or hot chocolate: Serve your peanut butter blossoms with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort pairing.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut butter blossoms are best enjoyed slightly warm, when the chocolate kiss is soft but still holds its shape. Serve them as a dessert, after-school snack, or alongside your favorite hot beverage. They also make great party treats, especially during the holiday season.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Looking to impress your guests with how you present your peanut butter blossoms? Try these ideas:

• Colorful sprinkles: For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain granulated sugar. This works especially well for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.
• Miniature kisses: Use mini Hershey’s Kisses for bite-sized peanut butter blossoms. These make adorable treats for parties or gift baskets.
• Cookie tower: Stack the cookies in a tower or pyramid shape on a large platter for a fun, eye-catching display at parties or family gatherings.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

• Freeze the dough: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, roll the frozen dough balls in sugar and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Refrigerate the dough: If your dough is too soft and sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Experiment with different chocolates: Try using peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates, or even a chunk of dark chocolate in place of the classic Hershey’s Kiss for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?

It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe, as natural peanut butter can separate and cause the cookies to spread too much. If you must use natural peanut butter, be sure to stir it thoroughly before using.

2. How should I store peanut butter blossoms?

Store peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and bake as directed.

4. My cookies didn’t crinkle around the edges. What went wrong?

If your cookies didn’t crinkle, it could be because the dough was too warm or because you didn’t press the chocolate kiss in soon enough after baking. Be sure to press the kiss in immediately after removing the cookies from the oven.

5. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, mint-flavored kisses, or even small peanut butter cups.

Conclusion

Classic peanut butter blossoms are a simple, yet irresistibly delicious cookie that never goes out of style. With their soft peanut butter base and rich chocolate topping, they’re perfect for any occasion—from holiday baking to everyday snacking. Now that you’ve learned all the tips and tricks for making the best peanut butter blossoms, it’s time to get baking! Grab your ingredients and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic taste of this classic cookie recipe.

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