Baking is like unwrapping a cozy memory, and Peanut Butter Blossoms take me right back to the warm and joyful chaos of holiday kitchens. These iconic cookies beautifully marry the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet, chocolatey surprise of a melted Hershey’s Kiss right in the center. Not only are they delightfully easy to whip up, making them a perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and curious newbies alike, but they also fill your home with a comforting aroma that embodies the spirit of togetherness during the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your afternoon, these Peanut Butter Blossoms offer a delightful taste of nostalgia that beckons you to indulge. Ready to dive into a baking adventure that brings smiles and warmth? Let’s get started!
Why Are Peanut Butter Blossoms So Special?
Irresistible combination: Soft cookies filled with creamy peanut butter and topped with sweet Hershey’s Kisses create an explosion of taste in every bite.
Nostalgic charm: These cookies evoke warm, cozy memories of holiday baking days filled with laughter and shared moments.
Easy to prepare: A straightforward recipe means even novice bakers can join in the fun, making it a family favorite.
Versatile options: Switch up the classic with dark chocolate or peppermint-flavored Kisses, making each batch a unique creation.
Perfect for sharing: Ideal for cookie swaps or festive gatherings, these blossoming treats are sure to please any crowd!
Quick to make: In just under 30 minutes, you can serve warm, delicious cookies—perfect for spontaneous cravings or holiday celebrations.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and body to the cookies; gluten-free flour is a great alternative.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and a crisp texture; reserve some extra for rolling the dough before baking.
- Light brown sugar – Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; you can substitute with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Unsalted butter – Creates a rich flavor and a soft texture; be sure it’s softened for easy mixing, or swap for vegan butter if needed.
- Creamy peanut butter – Delivers a strong peanut flavor and moisture; choose natural peanut butter that isn’t overly oily for the best results.
- Large egg – Binds the dough together beautifully; a flax egg can be used as a vegan substitute.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall sweetness and flavors of the dough; no substitute necessary here.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise; no substitutes suggested.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor; it’s essential for the best taste.
For the Topping
- Milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses – Adds a delightful chocolatey surprise in each cookie; consider dark chocolate or peppermint-flavored Kisses for a festive twist!
These Peanut Butter Blossoms ingredients create a delectable treat that’s hard to resist during the holiday season! Happy baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the Peanut Butter Blossoms from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This process incorporates air, making your cookies soft and delightful.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, continuing to beat until well combined. This step ensures a smooth, cohesive dough, which is essential for the texture of the Peanut Butter Blossoms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies tender; the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Form the Cookie Balls
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them evenly. Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake the Peanut Butter Blossoms for 10-12 minutes. As they bake, watch for the edges to become lightly golden while the centers remain soft and puffy—a sure sign they’re done.
Step 7: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still hot. The center should crack slightly around the edges, creating a lovely filled appearance.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Allow the Peanut Butter Blossoms to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps them firm up a bit before transferring. Then, use a spatula to carefully move the cookies to a wire rack, where they’ll cool completely and be ready for devouring.
Make Ahead Options
These Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you’re short on time the day of serving, you can also roll the dough into balls and coat them in sugar ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the chilled dough on a lined baking sheet, bake as instructed, and top with chocolate Kisses immediately after removing from the oven. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies just as delicious as if you made them fresh!
Peanut Butter Blossoms Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to have fun with these delightful cookies and customize them to your heart’s content!
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Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate Kisses for rich dark chocolate for a bittersweet contrast that elevates these cookies.
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Peppermint Twist: Use peppermint-flavored Kisses during the holiday season for a refreshing and festive holiday treat. Nothing says Christmas like the cool minty flavor mingling with warm, nutty goodness!
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Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, substitute creamy peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter without sacrificing taste.
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Vegan Delight: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a scrumptious vegan variant.
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Coconut Sugar: Swap light brown sugar for coconut sugar to add a unique caramel flavor and a touch of toasty sweetness, while also making it a bit healthier.
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Adding Spices: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice hint that complements the peanut butter beautifully. It’s like snuggling into a warm blanket!
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Mini Cookies: For bite-sized versions, scoop out smaller dough balls and adjust the baking time to about 8-10 minutes for irresistible mini treats.
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Mix-in Fun: Fold in some chocolate chips or crushed nuts into the dough for added texture. The extra layers of flavor and crunch create an exciting surprise in each bite.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in with a cup of hot cocoa or sharing a plate at your next gathering, these variations will make your Peanut Butter Blossoms uniquely yours! And if you’re interested in more sweet treats, don’t miss my recipes for Bake Peanut Butter bars and Breakfast Butter Swim biscuits that your family will love!
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms
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Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 20–30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a thicker cookie.
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Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For the best texture and flavor, stick with creamy peanut butter. Natural varieties may make the dough too crumbly, affecting the cookies’ structure.
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Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies to avoid overbaking; they should be slightly soft directly out of the oven as they will firm up while cooling.
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Perfectly Sweetened: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking not only enhances sweetness but also gives those delightful crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the gooey center.
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Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to switch out the Hershey’s Kisses for dark chocolate or peppermint-flavored ones to give your Peanut Butter Blossoms a unique twist that suits your taste!
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Storage Solutions: If you have leftovers, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months for a sweet treat anytime!
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms
Room Temperature: Store your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their life a bit longer, you can store the cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, simply microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that gooey chocolate center and soft texture!
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Baking these delightful cookies is just the beginning; pairing them with complementary treats can elevate your holiday experience.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their rich, buttery texture offers a warm contrast to the sweet cookie, creating a delightful salty-sweet balance.
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Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a cup of this rich chocolate drink; its warmth enhances the cookie’s gooey chocolate center, making every bite a joyful indulgence.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of a homemade chai complement the sweetness of the blossoms, enhancing your taste buds with every sip.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright citrus and berries add a refreshing contrast to the rich peanut butter sweetness, offering a light and vibrant balance on your dessert platter.
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Chocolate Mint Cake: Celebrate the holidays with a slice of this decadent cake that pairs wonderfully with peanut butter flavors, creating a delightful dessert duet.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of cold, creamy ice cream alongside warm cookies offers an irresistible temperature and texture contrast that’s hard to beat.
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Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink adds a festive flair to your cookie table, perfectly harmonizing with the sweet, salty notes of your Peanut Butter Blossoms.
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Festive Cookie Platter: Combine these cookies with other holiday favorites like ginger snaps and sugar cookies to create a vibrant and diverse dessert spread for your family and friends.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best peanut butter for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, opt for creamy peanut butter rather than natural varieties, which can be overly oily and crumbly. Look for brands that have minimal ingredients – just peanuts and salt are ideal!
What should I do if my Peanut Butter Blossoms spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. I recommend chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking, which helps maintain their shape. Also, ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, as melted butter can lead to cookies that spread too widely.
How long can I store my Peanut Butter Blossoms, and what’s the best method?
You can store your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, ensuring they’re kept in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Remember to layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready, simply scoop and bake! This little time-saver is perfect for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies without the last-minute rush.
Are there any allergens to consider with Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes! Since this recipe contains peanut butter, it’s essential to consider nut allergies. For a nut-free option, you can substitute peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter. Always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination if you are serving those with allergies.
What if I want to serve these as party favors; how should I package them?
Certainly! When making Peanut Butter Blossoms for gifting, wait until they are completely cool. Then, place them in clear treat bags or small boxes and tie with a festive ribbon. You can also layer them with tissue paper for an added touch of charm. They make a delightful and tasty gift that everyone will love!
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Irresistible Holiday Cookie Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract, beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture.
- Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough, roll in granulated sugar, and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Immediately press a milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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