As I rummaged through my grandmother’s old recipe box, a familiar scent of peanut butter and chocolate wafted through my memories. That was the moment I decided to whip up a batch of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms—those irresistible holiday cookies that blend creamy peanut butter with a delightful milk chocolate kiss on top. Not only are these cookies a nostalgic reminder of joyful family gatherings, but they’re also a breeze to make, perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration or simply indulging for yourself, their chewy texture and sweet-salty contrast make them a true crowd-pleaser. Want to learn how to recreate this beloved classic in your own home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Peanut Butter Blossoms a Must-Bake?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate kisses creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up in under an hour—perfect for last-minute baking needs!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment! Try swapping in dark chocolate or holiday-themed kisses for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Perfect for Sharing: These delightful cookies are great for gifting or sharing at parties, making them a hit with family and friends.
Nostalgic Appeal: Bringing back fond memories of family gatherings, these cookies will warm your heart and home this holiday season. For more festive treats, check out my Chocolate Peanut Butter bars or Lemon Butter Fish for something savory!
Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients
For the Cookies
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; be sure to measure accurately for best results.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness while helping to achieve a crisp texture; reserve some for rolling.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar – Enhances flavor and moisture, adding that beloved chewy quality.
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness; remember to soften it to room temperature.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Delivers the signature flavor; opt for a non-oily version for best results.
• Large Egg – Binds all the ingredients together; ensure it’s at room temperature for effective mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings depth of flavor; pure vanilla extract yields the richest taste.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, allowing the cookies to rise; do not substitute it with baking powder.
• Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness; a critical component for an overall delightful taste.
For the Topping
• Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses – The classic topping that adds sweetness and a chocolatey contrast; feel free to swap for dark chocolate or peppermint kisses for a festive variation!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This creates a perfect foundation for your delightful Peanut Butter Blossoms, ensuring even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add in one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. This forms a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your Peanut Butter Blossoms, keeping them soft and chewy.
Step 4: Shape and Roll
With clean hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, about one inch in diameter. Next, roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sweet coating and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. This allows enough room for the delicious cookies to spread as they bake.
Step 5: Bake
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up and the edges will turn golden brown. Once they’re ready, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, seeing them settle around the chocolate kiss. After that, gently transfer the Peanut Butter Blossoms to a wire rack to cool completely. This final stage ensures the ideal chewy texture as the cookies firm up while still being irresistibly delicious.
What to Serve with Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Elevate your holiday baking experience with perfect companions that will make your Peanut Butter Blossoms even more delightful.
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Glass of Milk: The classic pairing that enhances the peanut butter flavor, making every bite even more indulgent and creamy.
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Hot Cocoa: Rich, warm cocoa adds a cozy touch, perfect for those chilly nights spent by the fire.
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is simply divine! -
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai perfectly contrast with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting experience.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness that partners beautifully with chocolate kisses.
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Fresh Berries: A handful of tart raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully when paired with warm cookies, creating a luscious dessert treat.
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Fruity Latte: For a festive twist, try a cranberry or peppermint-flavored latte that awakens the holiday spirit beautifully.
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Chocolate Velvet Cake: Serve alongside a slice of moist chocolate cake for a sweet indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
Make Ahead Options
These Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This prevents browning and helps meld the flavors beautifully. Alternatively, you can also shape the dough into balls and roll them in sugar, then refrigerate those pre-rolled cookie balls for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on baking sheets and pop them in the oven as directed. You’ll enjoy freshly baked cookies that taste just as delightful as if made from scratch the same day!
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy for several days of enjoyment.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This can enhance their flavor while maintaining texture.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for easy access later.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness and deliciousness.
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Flavorful Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies and create unforgettable flavors that fit your taste!
- Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate Kisses with dark chocolate for a richer, slightly more intense flavor experience. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Peppermint Bliss: Use peppermint-flavored Kisses for a festive twist that perfectly complements the classic peanut butter base. Imagine that refreshing burst of flavor with every bite!
- Almond Butter: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a unique nutty profile, perfect for those with peanut allergies or simply seeking something different.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: For added texture, opt for crunchy peanut butter. The delightful bites of peanut pieces enhance the overall cookie experience!
- Oatmeal Fun: Incorporate oats into the dough for a wholesome twist. About ½ cup of rolled oats gives the cookies a chewy texture, making them even heartier.
- Spiced Delight: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a comforting hint of warmth that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- Nuts Galore: Chopped walnuts or pecans mixed into the dough can bring an extra crunch and a delightful contrast to the creamy peanut butter flavor.
- Vegan Adaptation: For a plant-based option, use a flax egg in place of the regular egg and substitute vegan butter. Enjoy the same deliciousness without the animal products!
By exploring these variations, you’ll find endless joy in making these treats uniquely yours. For even more delightful ideas, try my Cajun Seafood Sauce if you’re in the mood for something savory!
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a non-oily, creamy peanut butter for the best results; natural varieties can lead to greasy dough.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy and soft.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 20-30 minutes prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping maintain their lovely shape.
Right Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking—remove them when the edges are golden, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
Perfect Pairings: Enjoy your Peanut Butter Blossoms with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a festive latte to elevate your treat experience.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best peanut butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best Peanut Butter Blossoms, I recommend using a non-oily, creamy peanut butter. The type with natural oils tends to create a greasy dough, which can alter the texture of your cookies. Aim for a brand that states “creamy” clearly on the label, ensuring that it has a smooth consistency perfect for baking.
What’s the best way to store Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Very good question! Store your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them soft and chewy. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, which can also enhance their flavor.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you want to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain their delightful softness.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very common! If your Peanut Butter Blossoms are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. This can help firm up the butter in the dough, resulting in cookies that hold their shape better. It’s also important not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can also lead to excessive spreading.
Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe primarily contains peanuts, which can be a common allergen. If you’re baking for someone with nut allergies, consider substituting creamy almond butter or sun butter instead of peanut butter. Make sure to check ingredient labels to ensure they are allergy-friendly for those you plan to serve.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Excellent question! Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. They should puff up and start turning golden brown at the edges after about 10-12 minutes. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s best to remove them when they look slightly underbaked in the center to maintain that chewy texture we love in Peanut Butter Blossoms!
Delightful Peanut Butter Blossoms: Sweet & Salty Holiday Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball about one inch in diameter, and roll each ball in granulated sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until puffed and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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