Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a classic that holds a special place in the hearts (and bellies!) of cookie lovers everywhere. So, if you’ve ever wished for a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying treat that buzzes with nostalgia, you’re in for a real treat. Let’s explore the delicious world of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, an irresistibly sweet combination of peanut butter cookie goodness crowned with a delightful Hershey’s Kiss. Let’s move forward, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
There are countless reasons to adore Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. This cookie doesn’t just tick the boxes for taste, it brings back the sweetest of memories. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cozy treat after a long day, or simply indulging in some self-care, these cookies are here to make your moments more special.
The creamy peanut butter base and the smooth chocolate kiss create a magical flavor harmony that dances on your tongue. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward directions, these cookies are perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. And let’s not forget the irresistible contrast of textures: the chewy cookie paired with the melty chocolate center is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Step-by-Step: Making Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ready to roll up your sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen? Let’s get started with making these delightful cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (additional amount for coating cookies)
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses
Directions:
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed. Mix until everything is well blended and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure every bit is incorporated!
- Combine Mixtures: Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is completely blended.
- Chill the Dough: To ensure your cookies maintain their shape while baking, place the cookie dough in a well-sealed food container or wrap the mixing bowl with plastic wrap, and chill it for at least one hour.
- Preheat Oven: After the dough has chilled, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Adjust your oven rack to the second level mark—just above center—and preheat to 375°F.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon and your clean hands, shape the chilled cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place them about 1 ½ to 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake your cookies for 7-8 minutes. When you bring them out, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie, creating that beautiful crackly edge.
- Final Baking: Pop them back into the oven for an additional two minutes.
- Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Storage Tip: Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Now that you’ve mastered the baking process, let’s check out some ways to enjoy these delightful treats!
Best Ways to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
When it comes to serving Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, the options are endless! Of course, they shine on their own as a fantastic snack. However, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience:
- With Hot Drinks: These cookies are divine when paired with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
- Cookie Plate: Create a festive cookie platter for gatherings or family movie nights. Mix these with other favorite cookies for a delightful variety.
- Dessert Parfait: Crumble the cookies and layer them with whipped cream and chocolate pudding for a fun dessert parfait.
Keeping Your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Fresh
Nobody likes stale cookies, right? Here are some solid storage tips to make sure your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms stay soft and delicious for days:
- Airtight Container: After baking, store the cookies in an airtight container. This will lock in moisture and keep them delightful.
- Slice of Bread Trick: Place a slice of bread in the container with your cookies. The bread helps maintain moisture, ensuring your cookies do not dry out.
- Refrigeration: If you can’t eat them all within a week, consider freezing them! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Before you dive into baking, check out these expert tips to ensure your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfect every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth and even batter.
- Measurement Matters: Always measure your flour correctly. Fluff it first, scoop it into your measuring cup, and level it off for the best results.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep them slightly underbaked if you prefer that chewy texture; they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling.
Delicious Variations of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Once you’ve got the basics mastered, feel free to experiment with some fun and tasty variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Nutty Add-Ins: Throw in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Different Chocolates: Swap the Hershey’s Kisses for different flavored chocolates, like caramel-filled or white chocolate for an exciting twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free chocolate to create a delicious dairy-free version of these cookies.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for future baking.
And there you have it! Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are simple, scrumptious, and oh so satisfying. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a sweet testament to the joys of baking. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your space. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irresistibly sweet peanut butter cookies topped with a delightful Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 Large Egg
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (additional for coating)
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until fluffy.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until blended.
- Chill the dough in a sealed container for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare baking sheets.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and place them on baking sheets.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie.
- Return to the oven for an additional two minutes.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg