Peanut Butter Blossoms

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in a classic treat that’s sure to win over any crowd: Peanut Butter Blossoms! These irresistible cookies are a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet, chocolatey goodness. Topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, they’re not just a cookie; they’re a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a school bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion. With their perfect balance of salty and sweet, Peanut Butter Blossoms will become your new favorite go-to cookie recipe. Let’s dive in and explore why this easy-to-make treat will quickly become a hit in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Peanut Butter Blossoms:

• A Perfect Blend of Flavors: The peanut butter adds a savory depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet chocolate kiss.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are perfect for baking with little helpers. The rolling in sugar and pressing the Hershey’s Kiss on top is fun for all ages!
• Classic Appeal: This timeless treat never goes out of style—great for holidays or any time you want to enjoy something comforting.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have fresh, homemade cookies in no time.
• Customizable: You can switch up the flavor by experimenting with different types of chocolate (think dark chocolate or milk chocolate).
• Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute jar or tin, and they make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family.
• Bite-Sized Delight: These cookies are small, making them the perfect portion size for an afternoon treat or for packing into lunchboxes.
• Crowd-Pleasing: There’s no doubt these will disappear quickly at any event or gathering, leaving everyone asking for more.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from a holiday dessert table to a simple afternoon snack.
• Bake Ahead: You can bake these cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for a few days.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 13g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

For these Peanut Butter Blossoms, gather the following ingredients:

the Cookies:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

For the Topping:

• 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Ingredient Highlights

• Peanut Butter: The heart of the cookie, bringing rich flavor and a slight saltiness that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the dough come together, giving the cookies their signature crunchy exterior.
• Hershey’s Kisses: These chocolatey gems are the finishing touch on each cookie, adding a perfect amount of smooth sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Peanut Butter Blossoms:

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Peanut Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the peanut butter mixture and add the vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
5. Chill the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden around the edges and set in the middle.
2. Add the Hershey’s Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack around the edges, which is totally normal.
3. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. Cookie Jar: Store these delightful cookies in a cookie jar and have them ready for whenever you need a treat.
2. Gift-Wrapped: Package them in a festive tin or jar to gift to friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
3. Holiday Dessert Table: Serve them alongside other classic holiday treats for a sweet and nostalgic dessert spread.
4. Pair with Milk: These cookies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk—ideal for an afternoon snack or a late-night treat.
5. Serve on a Platter: Arrange them neatly on a plate for a beautiful presentation at parties or family gatherings.
6. Mini Cookie Box: Create mini gift boxes filled with cookies for a thoughtful and homemade gift.
7. Cookie Buffet: If you’re hosting a party, set up a cookie bar where guests can pick their favorites, including these peanut butter beauties.
8. Decorate for Holidays: Add holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar around the edge of the cookie for a festive twist.
9. Take to Potlucks: These cookies are easy to make in large batches, making them a great option for potlucks or bake sales.
10. Lunchbox Treat: Pack a couple in your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Peanut Butter Blossoms with these helpful tips:

1. Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For a smoother cookie dough, use creamy peanut butter. If you prefer extra crunch, go for the chunky version!
2. Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on your cookies. They can go from golden to overbaked quickly, so take them out when the edges are slightly golden and the centers are just set.
3. Let the Cookies Cool: After pressing the chocolate kiss into the center, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to help them set before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Storing Cookies: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and soft.
5. Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls.
6. Make a Double Batch: These cookies disappear fast, so make a double batch to ensure everyone gets a taste.
7. Add a Twist: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty flavor boost.
8. Freeze for Later: Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply roll them into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
9. Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make great holiday gifts. Just pack them in a cute box and add a little note for a personal touch.

Recipe Variations

Consider these fun twists on the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: Swap the Hershey’s Kiss for a mini peanut butter cup for a richer chocolate filling.
• Dark Chocolate Kisses: Use dark chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Crushed Peanuts: Roll the dough balls in crushed peanuts before baking for added texture and flavor.
• White Chocolate: Try white chocolate Kisses for a creamy and slightly different twist.
• Mint Chocolate: Use mint-flavored chocolate Kisses for a refreshing variation.
• Add to Brownies: Top your favorite brownie recipe with peanut butter blossoms for an over-the-top dessert.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh:

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’re best enjoyed within a few days.
• Freezing: Unbaked dough balls can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Frosted Cookies: These cookies don’t need frosting, but if you choose to add one, store them in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Special Equipment

For these Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: For rolling uniform dough balls.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.

faq section

If you’re new to making Peanut Butter Blossoms or just want to make sure you’re getting everything right, you might have some questions. Here’s a helpful FAQ section that answers some common queries to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time!

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
  Yes! If you prefer a bit of texture in your cookies, crunchy peanut butter works just as well as creamy peanut butter. It will give your cookies a fun crunch and added flavor, though the dough may be slightly thicker.
• Can I use a different type of chocolate besides Hershey’s Kisses?
  Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are a classic topping, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. You could use mini peanut butter cups, dark chocolate squares, or even white chocolate. Just make sure to choose a chocolate that will melt nicely when pressed into the warm cookie.
• Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
  If your cookies are spreading too much, the dough might be too soft. This can happen if your peanut butter or dough gets too warm. To fix this, chill the dough for about 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls and baking. Chilled dough will hold its shape better and prevent excess spreading.
• How do I store Peanut Butter Blossoms?
  Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, layer parchment paper between each row of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
• Can I freeze the dough?
  Yes! If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Just roll them into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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Conclusion

Now that you’ve got the recipe and tips, it’s time to give Peanut Butter Blossoms a try! With their irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!