Growing up, Peanut Butter Blossoms were always a Christmas staple in our household. My grandma would spend hours in the kitchen, meticulously rolling out the dough and pressing those iconic Hershey’s Kisses into the centers. The aroma of warm peanut butter and melted chocolate would fill the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. I can still vividly remember the look of pure delight on my cousins’ faces as we’d gobble up those delectable cookies, savoring every bite. To this day, Peanut Butter Blossoms remind me of the joy and togetherness of the holiday season. They’re not just a cookie – they’re a treasured family tradition that brings back so many wonderful memories.
Why This Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic holiday treat that everyone loves, but they can be tricky to get just right. This recipe, however, is a game-changer. With a few simple techniques and the perfect balance of flavors, you’ll end up with Peanut Butter Blossoms that are soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
The Secret Behind Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
The secret to making Peanut Butter Blossoms that are consistently delicious lies in the dough. By chilling the dough before baking, you ensure that the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too thin. And the addition of a touch of cornstarch helps create that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. But the real magic happens when you press the Hershey’s Kisses into the centers – the contrast of the rich, creamy chocolate against the peanut butter cookie is simply divine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peanut butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Hershey’s Kisses
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Blossoms Instructions
Preparing Your Peanut Butter Blossoms
Making Peanut Butter Blossoms is a simple process, but it does require a little bit of planning. The dough needs to be chilled for at least 30 minutes, so be sure to factor that into your prep time. You’ll also need a few basic tools, like a cookie scoop, baking sheets, and a cooling rack. But once you have everything ready to go, it’s smooth sailing from there!
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
5- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6- Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms is all in the technique. Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. And when pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the centers, work quickly before the cookies set too much. If you find the dough is getting too soft, just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Serving and Storing Your Peanut Butter Blossoms
Perfect Pairings for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate Christmas cookie, but they’re also a hit any time of year. Serve them up at holiday parties, potlucks, or simply enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk. They also make a fantastic gift for friends, family, and coworkers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Peanut Butter Blossoms keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual. You can also freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a resealable bag once frozen. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Creative Peanut Butter Blossoms Variations
While the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are hard to beat, you can have fun with some creative variations. Try using different types of chocolate, like milk, dark, or even white chocolate. Or swap out the Hershey’s Kisses for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra peanut butter punch. You can also add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to really make the flavors pop.
Making Peanut Butter Blossoms Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of Peanut Butter Blossoms, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. And for a vegan twist, use a dairy-free peanut butter and substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with vegan chocolate chips or a dairy-free chocolate alternative. You can even make a lower-carb version by using a sugar substitute and swapping the flour for almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
A: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will work just as well in this recipe, though it will result in a slightly different texture. The cookies will have a bit more crunch and peanut flavor.
Q: How long should I chill the dough?
A: For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too thin. You can also chill the dough for up to 24 hours, if needed.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the Peanut Butter Blossoms dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let the frozen dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24-30 Peanut Butter Blossoms, depending on the size of your cookie scoop. The cookies are fairly small, so it’s easy to enjoy a few at a time!
Q: What should I do if the Hershey’s Kisses crack or break when I press them into the cookies?
A: If the Hershey’s Kisses start to crack or break, try pressing them in gently and slowly. You can also let the cookies cool for a minute or two before pressing in the Kisses, which can help prevent cracking.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic holiday cookie that’s quick and easy to make. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a creamy peanut butter base and topped with a glistening Hershey’s Kiss for the perfect sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 24 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, cream together the peanut butter and brown sugar until well combined.
3. – Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
4. – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. – Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
8. – Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
9. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive twist, use different flavor Hershey’s Kisses, like peppermint or caramel. You can also add chopped nuts or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic holiday cookie that everyone loves, and this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. With their soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies are simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for a festive gathering or just enjoying them with your family, I guarantee these Peanut Butter Blossoms will bring a smile to everyone’s face. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to create some delicious holiday memories!
