Peanut Butter Blossoms

There’s something truly magical about the first bite of Peanut Butter Blossoms. It’s a nostalgic reminder of childhood baking days, filled with laughter, flour-dusted counters, and the sweet scent of cookies wafting through the air. I can still remember the excitement as my mom and I would roll out the dough, shaping each ball carefully before pressing a chocolate kiss into the center. Each cookie turned out perfectly, with that delightful combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookie and a melting chocolate surprise. These cookies are more than just treats; they bring people together. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or simply a rainy day at home, baking Peanut Butter Blossoms has become a cherished tradition in my kitchen. As you pull them out of the oven, the chocolate kisses glistening atop the warm cookies, you can’t help but smile, knowing you have created a delicious memory to share with others.

Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms

When it comes to the ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms, simplicity reigns supreme. Each component serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall flavor and texture of the cookies. The key players include all-purpose flour for structure, butter for richness, and of course, creamy peanut butter that brings a nutty essence. Together, they create a cookie that is soft in the center with a slight crunch around the edges.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure while keeping them soft and chewy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise, giving them the perfect texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring the cookies are soft.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides the signature flavor and creaminess.
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the dough and creates a lovely crust when rolled.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to achieve the right consistency in the dough.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds additional flavor.
• 30 Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped: The final touch, these chocolates melt beautifully and create a delightful surprise in the center of each cookie.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms

Making Peanut Butter Blossoms is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll soon have a plate full of cookies that are sure to impress. Let’s get started!

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This mix forms the base of your cookie dough and ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream these together until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter cookies.

3. Next, add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar to the butter-peanut butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The sugars will help create a beautiful crust on the cookies.

4. Now, crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 tablespoon milk and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. The egg adds moisture and richness, while the milk and vanilla enhance the flavor.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want to see a cohesive dough with no visible flour left.

6. Once the dough is combined, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

7. While the dough chills, place the Hershey’s Kisses in the freezer. Freezing them helps maintain their shape during baking, ensuring they stay beautifully intact.

8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat to prevent sticking.

9. Once ready to bake, take the chilled dough and roll it into balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie. This gives you uniform cookies that will bake evenly.

10. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar into a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the sugar until generously coated. This step creates a delightful sugary crust.

11. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges start to crack, roughly 8 to 9 minutes. You want them to look slightly underbaked for the perfect soft texture.

12. After removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a frozen Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing it to crack slightly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the cookies to remain soft.

13. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows the kisses to harden slightly. For quicker cooling, you can pop the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes.

Helpful Hints

These tips will help you make the best Peanut Butter Blossoms and keep them fresh and delicious:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from going stale.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough. Place them in a freezer-safe container and they can last for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. They complement the flavors beautifully.
• Variations: Experiment with different flavored chocolate candies or add chopped nuts to the dough for a unique twist.
• Presentation: To make them visually appealing, consider sprinkling a bit of extra sugar or colored sprinkles on top before baking.

Accompaniments for Peanut Butter Blossoms

When serving Peanut Butter Blossoms, consider pairing them with some delightful accompaniments:

• Milk: A classic pairing, a glass of cold milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor perfectly.
• Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Coffee: A nice cup of coffee can elevate your cookie experience, especially with the morning or afternoon snack.
• Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a balanced treat.
• Holiday Treats: These cookies are ideal for cookie trays during the holidays, alongside other favorites such as gingerbread or sugar cookies.
• Gift Giving: Wrap them in a decorative tin or box to share as gifts during the holidays or special occasions.

FAQ

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless treat that holds a special place in many hearts. Their perfect blend of flavors, along with the nostalgic experience of baking them, makes them a must-try for any cookie lover. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share them with your friends and family. You’ll create memories that are as sweet as the cookies themselves. So why wait? Get those ingredients ready, and let’s bake some love!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

The ultimate comfort cookie! Soft and chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms feature a rich peanut butter flavor topped with a luscious chocolate kiss. Perfect for holidays or any time a craving strikes, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 30 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup Granulated sugar divided
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar packed
• 1 Large egg
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
• 30 Hershey's Chocolate Kisses unwrapped

Equipment

• Oven
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
5. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix on low until just combined.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. While the dough chills, place the Hershey's Kisses in the freezer.
8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Roll the chilled dough into balls and coat in sugar.
10. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake until edges start to crack, about 8 to 9 minutes.
11. Press a frozen Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie and return to the oven for 2 more minutes.
12. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
• Variations: Add different chocolates or nuts for a unique twist.
• Presentation: Sprinkles on top can be fun!

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Meet Chloe Bennett

I started this blog to document the rustic, comforting food I love to make. I’m the “Pine” of the group I’m all about hearty stews, wood-fired cooking, and cozy, one-pot meals. I brought my best friends on board to make this a shared journal of our adventures. I work closely with Maya to develop our main courses and do most of the writing for our posts.