Growing up, my grandma’s house was always the gathering place for our family during the holidays. As soon as you stepped through the front door, the heavenly scent of freshly baked Peanut Butter Blossoms would hit you. Grandma would have trays upon trays of those perfectly soft and chewy cookies, each one crowned with a glistening chocolate kiss. It didn’t matter if it was Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter – Peanut Butter Blossoms were a must-have at every family celebration.
I can still picture myself as a little kid, sneaking into the kitchen and trying to snatch one before dinner. Grandma would always catch me, of course, and playfully swat my hand away. “Those are for after supper, young man!” she’d say with a wink. But I could never resist – the combination of peanut butter and chocolate was just too irresistible. I’d wait impatiently, fidgeting in my seat until Grandma finally declared it was time for dessert. That’s when I’d jump up, grab a plate, and load it high with Peanut Butter Blossoms. Even as an adult, those cookies still fill me with such warm, nostalgic feelings.
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Why This Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Peanut Butter Blossoms have a special place in my heart, and I’m sure they’ll become a staple in your home too. What makes this recipe so amazing is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The peanut butter cookie base is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Then you get that delightful chocolate “blossom” on top that melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate flavor combination!
The Secret Behind Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
The secret to these Peanut Butter Blossoms is all in the technique. Most recipes call for chilling the dough, but I’ve found that’s not necessary. Instead, I use a simple trick to get those perfect, uniform shapes every time. And the key to the soft, chewy texture? It’s all about the right baking time. Follow my instructions closely, and you’ll be rewarded with Peanut Butter Blossoms that are sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Creamy peanut butter – This provides the rich, nutty flavor that’s the star of the show.
- Granulated sugar – For sweetness and a delightful crunch on the outside.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg – Binds the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour – The base for the cookie dough.
- Baking soda – Helps the Peanut Butter Blossoms rise and get that perfect shape.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness.
- Chocolate kisses – The iconic topping that melts into a delicious chocolate “blossom”.
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Blossoms Instructions
Preparing Your Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are surprisingly easy to make, and this recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and some parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You should get around 24-30 cookies.
5- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown. The centers will still look slightly underbaked.
6- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms is to not overbake them. You want the centers to stay soft and chewy, so keep a close eye on them in the oven. Another tip is to use room temperature ingredients – this will help the dough come together more easily.
If you find the chocolate kisses are sinking too far into the cookies, try pressing them in halfway through the baking time instead of right after. And for an extra peanut butter punch, you can add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top of the chocolate kisses.
Serving and Storing Your Peanut Butter Blossoms
Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate holiday cookie, but they’re delicious year-round. Serve them up with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic pairing, or enjoy them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a wonderful addition to cookie platters and dessert tables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Peanut Butter Blossoms stay fresh for up to 1 week stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen.
If you want to get a head start, you can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Then just scoop, bake, and top with the chocolate kisses when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Creative Peanut Butter Blossoms Variations
There are so many ways to put a twist on classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. Try using different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. You can also add chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or drizzle with caramel for extra flavor.
For a seasonal spin, use Hershey’s Pumpkin Spice Kisses around Halloween or Mint Chocolate Kisses during the holidays. The options are endless!
Making Peanut Butter Blossoms Diet-Friendly
Looking to make your Peanut Butter Blossoms a little healthier? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour for a low-carb version. You can also use natural, no-sugar-added peanut butter and zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
For a vegan option, simply replace the egg with a flax or chia “egg” and use dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate in place of the traditional Hershey’s Kisses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will work just as well in this recipe. It will give you a nice textural contrast with the soft cookie base.
Q: How long do Peanut Butter Blossoms need to bake?
A: I recommend baking them for 8-10 minutes. You want the edges to be just starting to turn golden brown, while the centers are still soft and chewy.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to bake a fresh batch whenever you need them.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes approximately 24-30 Peanut Butter Blossoms, depending on the size you scoop the dough into.
Q: What should I do if the chocolate kisses sink too far into the cookies?
A: If the chocolate kisses sink in too much, try pressing them into the dough halfway through the baking time instead of right after. This will help them stay on top.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 48 cookies
Description
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic holiday cookie that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the festive touch of a Hershey’s Kiss. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
– 1 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Roll the dough balls in the additional granulated sugar to coat.
7. 7. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. 8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
9. 9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
10. 10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough balls or baked cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m sure they’ll become a treasured recipe in your home too. With their irresistible combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies and melty chocolate, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion.
I hope you’ll give this easy Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe a try. Let me know in the comments how they turn out, and be sure to share your photos! Enjoy.
