Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a classic holiday treat that melds the rich flavors of peanut butter with the delightful sweetness of chocolate, look no further than these Peanut Butter Blossoms! These cookies are not just delicious but also bring a touch of nostalgia to your holiday gatherings. The combination of soft, chewy cookie and a rich chocolate kiss on top is sure to brighten anyone’s day. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started in the kitchen!
Why This Recipe Is Worth Making
Peanut Butter Blossoms are more than just a cookie; they’re a symbol of the cozy, intimate moments we share with friends and family during the holidays. These treats are simple to make but incredibly satisfying. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mix of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Quick and Easy Preparation: With a straightforward list of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Nostalgic Charm: Many of us have fond childhood memories of baking these cookies with loved ones, making them perfect for creating new traditions.
Great for Sharing: Whether you’re gifting them to friends or bringing them to a festive gathering, these cookies are always a hit.
Customizable: This recipe can easily be tweaked to suit various tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Step-by-Step: Making Peanut Butter Blossoms
Let’s dive into the delightful world of Peanut Butter Blossoms! Follow these simple steps to create your very own batch of these heavenly cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Shape and Roll: Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated, then place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the cookies have puffed up nicely. When you take them out, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly, which is exactly what you want!
Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that the chocolate sets without melting too much.
Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
When it comes to serving these scrumptious cookies, the options are endless! Here are some delightful ideas:
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm beverage for a comforting afternoon snack.
As a Gift: Pack them up in a cute holiday tin or box and give them to friends or neighbors as thoughtful homemade gifts.
As Part of a Dessert Platter: Pair these cookies with other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a festive dessert spread.
Decorate: Get creative and drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh and delicious, follow these storage instructions:
At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In the Refrigerator: If you want to prolong their life, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch, freeze the cookies! Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. They can be stored for up to three months. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying!
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Here are some quick tips to ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfectly every time:
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to create a nice, airy cookie dough.
Measuring Flour: For best results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accurate measurements.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
Chocolate Kisses: If you want a fun twist, try using flavored Hershey’s Kisses, like caramel or almond, for different flavor profiles.
Delicious Variations of Peanut Butter Blossoms
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to switch up your Peanut Butter Blossoms:
Peanut Butter Variation: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for an added texture.
Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free alternative for those with allergies.
Chocolate Cookie Base: Incorporate some cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version of these cookies.
Add Some Spice: Introducing a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can give your cookies a cozy twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter may make the cookies slightly more crumbly.
2. How do I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, remove them from the oven when they are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking, or freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
So there you have it, your complete guide to making Peanut Butter Blossoms! I hope these cookies bring you as much joy as they have brought to my kitchen over the years. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, love, and, of course, delicious treats!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas cookies with a delightful blend of peanut butter and chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Scoop out small portions of the dough, roll into 1-inch balls, and coat with granulated sugar. Place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after taking them out.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For softer cookies, remove them slightly underbaked as they will firm up while cooling. You can customize the chocolate kisses for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg