Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut butter blossoms are a timeless cookie favorite that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. These soft and chewy cookies have a perfectly crinkled texture with a slightly crisp edge and a creamy, melty chocolate kiss in the middle. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday cookie tray, a bake sale, or just because, this easy and classic recipe will guide you through making the perfect batch of peanut butter blossoms.

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut butter blossoms are a classic cookie with a soft peanut butter dough that’s rolled in sugar and baked. As soon as they come out of the oven, they are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, which slightly melts into the warm cookie, creating an iconic "blossom" look. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible, and the cookies are known for their festive look, often made for holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients needed for the peanut butter cookies and the Hershey’s Kisses topping:

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Rolling and Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 24-30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms (Double Check)

Here’s a quick double-check to make sure you have everything:

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

• Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
• Creamy peanut butter is ideal for the best texture, but you can also use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just avoid using natural peanut butter, as it can cause the cookies to spread too much.

For Rolling and Topping:

• Granulated sugar gives the cookies a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior.
• Hershey’s Kisses are the signature topping for these cookies, but you can also use mini peanut butter cups or other bite-sized chocolates if preferred.

Substitutions and Variations

Peanut butter blossoms are a versatile cookie, and you can easily make substitutions or try fun variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

1. Flavor Variations:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
• Almond Butter Blossoms: Swap the peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor twist.
• White Chocolate Blossoms: Replace the Hershey’s Kisses with white chocolate kisses or chocolate discs for a change in flavor and color.

1. Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate for a completely dairy-free version.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.

1. Texture Modifications:

• Extra Chewy Cookies: For even chewier cookies, increase the brown sugar by 2 tablespoons and reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
• Crispier Edges: Bake the cookies for an extra 1-2 minutes for crispier edges, while still maintaining a soft center.

1. Add-ins:

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for double the chocolatey goodness.
• Chopped Peanuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped peanuts to the dough for a bit of extra crunch and peanut flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make soft, chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with melty Hershey’s Kisses.

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Cream the butter, peanut butter, and sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, vanilla, and milk: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

2. Shape the Cookies

• Scoop the dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into 1-inch balls.
• Roll in sugar: Roll each dough ball in the additional granulated sugar, coating it completely.
• Place on baking sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

3. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The cookies should still be soft in the center.
• Add the Hershey’s Kiss: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere to the cookie.
• Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Be careful not to move the cookies too soon, as the Hershey’s Kiss may be soft initially.

How to Cook Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make these delicious peanut butter blossoms:

1. Cookie Dough: Cream together butter, peanut butter, and sugars, add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
2. Shape: Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and place them on the baking sheet.
3. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie while they’re still warm.
4. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool before serving, allowing the Hershey’s Kiss to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft to ensure a chewy texture.
• Moving the Cookies Too Soon: After pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Moving them too soon can cause the chocolate to smear or the cookies to break.
• Using Natural Peanut Butter: Avoid using natural peanut butter, as it can cause the cookies to spread too much due to its higher oil content.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips to serve and present your peanut butter blossoms beautifully:

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Serve at Room Temperature: Peanut butter blossoms are best served at room temperature, once the Hershey’s Kisses have fully set.
• Holiday Cookie Tray: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, alongside other favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and chocolate chip cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Festive Sprinkles: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles before baking for a festive twist.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for added decoration.

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

• Unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses Ahead of Time: To ensure you can press the chocolate into the cookies while they’re still warm, unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses before the cookies come out of the oven.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make peanut butter blossoms in advance?
Yes! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

2. How long do peanut butter blossoms last?
Peanut butter blossoms will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. Can I freeze peanut butter blossoms?
Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked cookie dough. To freeze the baked cookies, let them cool completely, then store them in an

airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature.

4. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit of added texture in the cookies. However, creamy peanut butter is more commonly used for a smoother texture.

5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, and avoid using natural peanut butter, as its higher oil content can cause the cookies to spread too much. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

Conclusion

Classic peanut butter blossoms are the ultimate combination of peanut butter and chocolate, with their soft, chewy texture and perfectly melty Hershey’s Kiss on top. These cookies are easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and perfect for any occasion—from holiday cookie trays to after-school treats. With their timeless flavor and iconic look, peanut butter blossoms are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Follow this simple recipe, and enjoy these delicious cookies with family and friends!

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