Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless classic, combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in one delightful cookie. These cookies are a perfect balance of soft, chewy peanut butter dough, topped with a sweet, creamy Hershey Kiss that melts slightly, creating a delicious treat. Whether it’s for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet snack at home, Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to be a hit. The combination of rich, nutty peanut butter and smooth chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven, making these cookies an all-time favorite for many.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe is essential for creating the perfect Peanut Butter Blossom. Softened butter and peanut butter form a smooth, creamy base, while brown and granulated sugars add sweetness and a slightly crisp exterior. The egg binds the ingredients, and milk ensures the cookies stay soft, with vanilla extract adding a warm, aromatic note. Flour, baking soda, and salt provide structure and rise, balancing the flavors. Finally, pressing a Hershey Kiss into the warm cookie creates the iconic contrast between the soft cookie and cool, creamy chocolate.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The key to perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms lies in the preparation and technique. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This step is crucial because the creamed butter and peanut butter provide the foundation for the cookie dough. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies a soft, tender crumb.
Next, beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated. It’s important to add the egg before the milk and vanilla, as this allows the egg to emulsify properly with the fat in the butter and peanut butter. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on a low speed until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Once the dough is ready, shape it into balls using approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per ball. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating. This step not only adds a touch of sweetness but also gives the cookies a beautiful, slightly crisp exterior. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they have puffed up and the surface no longer appears raw. It’s important to note that these cookies will not brown as they bake, so don’t be tempted to leave them in the oven longer than necessary. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will soften the chocolate slightly, but it will retain its shape, creating the iconic Peanut Butter Blossom look.
Recipe Tips
To make the cookies softer or chewier, consider slightly underbaking them, or adding an extra tablespoon of peanut butter for additional moisture.
Prevent the cookies from overbaking by keeping a close eye on them during the final few minutes in the oven. The cookies should look just set but not browned.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for several days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Peanut Butter Blossoms are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own, but they can also be part of a larger dessert spread. Pair them with other classic cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles to create an irresistible cookie platter. For a beverage pairing, milk is a natural choice, as it complements the richness of the peanut butter and the sweetness of the chocolate. For adults, a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate can also be a delightful accompaniment.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. They make an excellent addition to a cookie exchange, where their unique appearance and delicious flavor are sure to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
Yes, almond butter or other nut butters can be substituted for peanut butter, though the flavor will vary slightly. Be sure to choose a nut butter with a similar consistency to peanut butter for the best results.
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the dough hold its shape during baking.
These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months.
Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic Peanut Butter Blossom is made with a Hershey Kiss, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. Try using different flavored Kisses, such as dark chocolate or caramel-filled, for a twist on the original. You can also add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey experience.
For a fun variation, consider making mini Peanut Butter Blossoms by using smaller dough balls and miniature Hershey Kisses. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack on the go. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different shapes, such as using a cookie cutter to create holiday-themed Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate in one delicious cookie. Their iconic appearance and unbeatable flavor make them a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with your family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Hershey Kisses
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on a low speed until the dough comes together.
Shape the cookie dough into balls using approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per ball. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the surface no longer appears raw. Note that these cookies will not brown as they bake.
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring on a low speed until the dough comes together.
- Shape the cookie dough into balls using approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per ball. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar, ensuring an even coating. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies have puffed up and the surface no longer appears raw. Note that these cookies will not brown as they bake.
- As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. Let them cool slightly before serving.