The scent of baking always brings me back to my childhood kitchen, especially around the holidays. One cookie, above all others, evokes a feeling of pure, unadulterated joy: Peanut Butter Blossoms. I remember standing on a stool, flour dusting my small hands, eagerly waiting for my turn to roll the peanut butter dough balls in sugar and, even more excitingly, press a Hershey's Kiss into the warm, fresh-from-the-oven Peanut Butter Blossom cookie. My grandma, with her flour-dusted apron and knowing smile, would always say, "The secret is in the love you put into them, dear." And she was right. There’s something truly magical about these humble cookies – their perfect blend of salty peanut butter and sweet milk chocolate. They’re a symbol of home, of family, and of sweet memories waiting to be made. Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my updated classic recipe for these iconic Peanut Butter Blossoms, ensuring that every bite brings back that same warmth and happiness. Get ready to bake a batch of pure bliss!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
These delightful cookies aren't just a treat; they're a timeless experience. Here's why you absolutely have to make a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms this season:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of creamy peanut butter and rich milk chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. Each bite delivers that beloved sweet and salty balance that keeps you coming back for more.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don't let their picture-perfect appearance fool you; these cookies are incredibly straightforward. With basic pantry staples and a few easy steps, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality Peanut Butter Blossoms. They are a staple on any festive dessert table, often alongside favorites like these Easiest & Most Delicious Sugar Cookie Bars.
- The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a holiday party, a potluck, or a simple family treat, these cookies are universally loved. They disappear from cookie platters faster than you can say "Happy Holidays!"
- A Joyful Baking Tradition: Making these cookies is an experience, an opportunity to create memories, especially with kids who love rolling the dough and pressing in the chocolate kisses. This simple act of baking can become a cherished annual tradition, much like making The Ultimate Chewy Gingerbread Cookies.
Key Ingredient Notes
Crafting the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms starts with understanding your ingredients. While the list is simple, a few considerations can elevate your cookies from good to absolutely legendary.
Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the heart of your cookie! For classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, I highly recommend using a smooth, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters, which often separate, can result in a drier, crumblier cookie due to their different fat and sugar content. Avoid low-fat varieties, as the fat is essential for that rich, tender texture.
Unsalted Butter, Softened: Butter adds richness and helps create that desirable chewy texture. Always use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness. It's crucial that your butter is truly softened, but not melted. If it's too cold, it won't cream properly; if too warm, the dough can become greasy and spread too much. Take it out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before you plan to bake.
Granulated Sugar for Rolling: Rolling your dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a beautiful sparkle and a delightful textural contrast. It also helps prevent the cookies from sticking and contributes to that signature crinkled edge these cookies are known for. Don't skip this step!
Hershey's Kisses: The iconic crown of every Peanut Butter Blossom! Use classic milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses. Their size and shape are perfect for pressing into the warm cookies. Make sure to unwrap them before you start baking; you'll want to press them into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven.
Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips
Ready to bake some magic? Follow this detailed guide to create the most perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms you've ever tasted. This process is truly a labor of love, but the rewards are oh-so-sweet!
Gather Your Ingredients & Prep: Before you even turn on your mixer, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and at room temperature. Unwrap all your Hershey's Kisses and set them aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures even baking and easy removal of your delicate Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color (about 2-3 minutes). This incorporates air, contributing to the cookies' soft texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Add Egg and Peanut Butter. Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Then, add the creamy peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl to ensure no streaks remain. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing uneven rising.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry to Wet. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet, mixing until just combined. Stop as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies.
Pro Tip for Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky to roll easily, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it firmer and easier to handle, preventing excessive spreading. Don't chill too long, or it will be too firm.
Step 5: Roll in Sugar. Place the remaining granulated sugar (for rolling) in a shallow bowl. Scoop out dough using a 1-inch cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) and roll it into smooth balls. Roll each dough ball generously in the granulated sugar for a beautiful sparkle and textural contrast, which is characteristic of the best Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheets. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They will spread slightly, so adequate spacing is important to prevent them from merging together.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft and puffy. The exact baking time depends on your oven, so check at 8 minutes. You want them set but not overly browned for that perfect chewy texture. These cookies should still look a little underdone in the very center when you pull them out.
Step 8: Press in the Kisses. IMMEDIATELY upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly and create that signature "blossom" effect. Waiting too long will cause the cookies to cool and crack when pressed.
Pro Tip for Pristine Kisses: If a few of your cookies crack too much, you can gently reshape the edges around the kiss with a small spoon or your fingers while they are still warm.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will be quite soft at first, so handle carefully. Once fully cooled, the chocolate will be firm, and your delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms will be ready to devour!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the Dough: Leads to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Using Cold Butter: Affects texture. Ensure butter is softened.
- Waiting Too Long to Press Kisses: Causes cracking. Press immediately.
- Overbaking: Results in dry cookies. Pull them when centers are still slightly soft.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
One of the joys of baking classic cookies is the endless possibility for customization! While the traditional version is perfect, here are some fun ways to put your own spin on these Peanut Butter Blossoms or enjoy them even more.
Variations:
- Different Chocolates: Don't limit yourself to Hershey's Kisses! Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate stars, or even a square of your favorite chocolate bar can be pressed into the warm cookies. Experiment with white chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of rolling the dough in granulated sugar, try using colorful sprinkles for a festive twist!
- Nut Butter Alternatives: These cookies can often be adapted with other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Texture might vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic with Milk: Nothing beats a Peanut Butter Blossom paired with a cold glass of milk. It’s a timeless combination!
- Coffee or Tea Companion: For a more grown-up treat, enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
- Homemade Gifts: Package a dozen or two of these delightful cookies in a decorative box. They make thoughtful gifts! For best freshness, consider storing them in airtight Basics Glass Food Storage containers.
Nutrition Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful Peanut Butter Blossoms? While these are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes, here's a general idea of what a single cookie provides.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 4g |
Enjoying your favorite treats in moderation is key to a balanced diet!
There you have it – the ultimate guide to baking perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms! These cookies are more than just a dessert; they're a little piece of edible nostalgia, bringing smiles and warmth wherever they go. Whether you're making them for a holiday celebration, a school bake sale, or simply to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. So tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some delicious memories. Happy baking!
FAQs
Why do my Peanut Butter Blossoms sometimes crack too much?
Excessive cracking usually happens if the cookies have cooled too much before you press in the Hershey's Kiss, or if the dough was overmixed, making the cookies less pliable. Press the kisses in immediately after removing them from the oven while the cookies are still very warm and soft.
Can I use different chocolate candies for Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Absolutely! While Hershey's Kisses are traditional, you can use other small, unwrapped chocolates like mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate stars, or even a square of a chocolate bar. Just be sure to press them into the warm cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.
How should I store Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Store Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. To prevent the chocolate kisses from sticking together, you can place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies.
Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and even coat them in sugar. Store the unbaked dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
A timeless holiday cookie featuring soft, chewy peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a milk chocolate kiss. Perfect for sharing and making memories!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
About 3 dozen Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Place the remaining granulated sugar for rolling in a shallow bowl. Scoop out dough (about 1 tablespoon per cookie) and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball generously in the granulated sugar.
Step 6: Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
Step 8: IMMEDIATELY upon removing from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up as it cools.
Notes
For best results, use a cookie scoop for uniform size and chill the dough briefly if it's too sticky. Ensure Hershey's Kisses are unwrapped before baking begins to save time when pressing into hot cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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