Peanut Butter Blossoms
Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that everyone loves. These soft and chewy cookies topped with a Hershey’s chocolate kiss are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual family get-togethers. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a flavor that stands out, making these cookies unforgettable. With a recipe that has been cherished in my family for over 60 years, you’re sure to impress anyone who tries your Peanut Butter Blossoms!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
- Deliciously Soft: The cookies are soft and chewy, with a perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, parties, or simply enjoying at home with family.
- Family Tradition: These cookies have been passed down through generations, adding a touch of nostalgia to your baking.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping roll the cookie dough and placing the chocolate kisses on top.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms, gather the essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cookie sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are creamed to perfection.
- Cookie sheet: A good quality cookie sheet helps achieve even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 Tablespoon Milk
For the Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For Rolling the Cookies
- Sugar (to roll cookie balls in)
For Topping
- 1 pkg. Hershey Kisses
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the creamy peanut butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix for another 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. If you have extra time, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes; this helps enhance flavor.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes. The cookies should be cooked through but still soft in the center.
Step 6: Add Hershey Kisses
While the cookies are still warm from the oven, unwrap your Hershey Kisses. Press one kiss gently into each cookie’s center. Let them cool slightly before transferring them from the cookie sheet to a cooling rack.
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Blossoms!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing with cookies, milk complements the creamy peanut butter and chocolate perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Peanut Butter Blossoms on a platter with other cookies for a colorful dessert spread at parties or gatherings.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert treat.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pairing cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Alongside Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy snack time.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
To make the best Peanut Butter Blossoms, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Chill the Dough (if possible): Chilling helps flavors meld together and makes rolling easier.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Press Kisses in Quickly: Place Hershey Kisses on warm cookies right after baking for optimal melting.
- Store Properly: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options.
- Chocolate Milkshake – A thick and creamy chocolate milkshake enhances the cookie’s peanut butter flavor.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nutty Granola – Serve granola as a crunchy side, adding texture and nuttiness to your dessert spread.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with berries and granola for a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies.
- Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterpart to sweet Peanut Butter Blossoms.
- Coffee Cake – The crumbly texture of coffee cake pairs nicely, making it perfect for brunch settings.
- Pudding Cups – Individual pudding cups can add an extra layer of sweetness that kids will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Blossoms can be easy, but common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Incorrect Measuring: Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Always measure accurately using the spoon and level method.
- Skipping Chilling Time: If you have time, chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Skipping this step may result in flat cookies.
- Overbaking: Cookies should be soft when you take them out. If they look too done, they might become hard as they cool.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Old baking soda or expired ingredients can affect the rise and flavor. Always check your pantry before starting.
- Ignoring the Temperature of Ingredients: Ensure butter is softened properly; cold butter won’t cream well with sugars, affecting texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- For best results, flash freeze the cookie balls before transferring to a container.
Reheating Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds for a soft cookie experience.
- Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
You can use crunchy peanut butter, but it will change the texture slightly. The cookies will have more crunch.
How do I make Peanut Butter Blossoms gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What if I can’t find Hershey Kisses?
Any chocolate candy can work! Try chocolate chips or other chocolate-shaped candies as alternatives.
How do I store leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Blossoms are not just classic cookies; they’re a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. These cookies can be customized with different chocolates or add-ins like nuts. Try this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors of home-baked goodness!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Peanut Butter Blossoms, where soft and chewy cookies meet the rich flavor of Hershey’s chocolate kisses. These classic treats have been a family favorite for over 60 years, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or casual family get-togethers. The creamy peanut butter combined with the sweet chocolate creates an unforgettable flavor that everyone loves. Quick to prepare and simple to make, these cookies are ideal for last-minute baking and are sure to impress your guests. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or served warm with ice cream, Peanut Butter Blossoms are a nostalgic treat that brings joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 package Hershey Kisses
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add peanut butter, egg, milk, and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar, and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes; cookies should be soft in the center.
- Press a Hershey Kiss into each cookie while still warm and let cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (15g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
