There’s something truly magical about the scent of warm cookies baking, especially when those cookies are Peanut Butter Blossoms. For me, these cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a sweet reminder of childhood holidays, cozy afternoons, and the simple joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones.
These classic cookies, with their soft peanut butter base and iconic chocolate kiss, are perfect for any occasion, and this recipe makes them easier than ever to bake at home. From start to finish, including cooling time, it only takes about an hour to make these beloved cookies.
Table of Contents
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, sugars and salt. Cream together by beating on medium speed until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Scrape down the bowl. Add the flour and baking soda and beat on low speed just until combined.
- Scoop the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Coat in additional granulated sugar if desired. Place on a prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies look puffy and cracked and the bottom just start to turn brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. (The cookies will crack and that’s okay!) Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan, until the chocolate is set. Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is special because it’s:
- Easy to Make: I’ve streamlined the steps to make it simple, even for beginner bakers.
- Perfectly Soft: The combination of sugars and butter ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Full of Flavor: The balance of peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate creates an irresistible taste.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these cookies, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or just a sweet treat.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Let’s break down each ingredient and why it’s essential for the best Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter ((188g)): The fat content in creamy peanut butter is what gives these cookies their rich, tender texture and that classic peanut butter flavor we all love. Peanut butter also gives you some fiber, some vitamins and minerals.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened (113g)): Softened butter is crucial because it creams together with the sugars to create air pockets, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling (100g)): Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies get that slightly crisp edge. Plus, rolling the dough in extra sugar gives them a beautiful sparkle.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar ((110g)): Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, contributing to a softer, chewier cookie.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the other flavors in the cookies, balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): A room temperature egg emulsifies more easily into the batter, creating a smoother dough and a more even texture in the baked cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The quality of your vanilla extract really shines through. I recommend using a pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour ((180g)): The gluten content in all-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies, helping them hold their shape while baking.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light. I use baking soda instead of baking powder to give the cookies a slightly chewier texture.
- 36 Hersey’s chocolate kisses (unwrapped): When it comes to chocolate kisses, I’ve found that the classic Hershey’s Kisses work best. You can experiment with other brands, but Hershey’s provides that nostalgic flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s the equipment I find essential for making perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars together a breeze.
- Cookie Sheets: I recommend having at least two cookie sheets so you can bake one batch while prepping the next.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, so they bake evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Blossoms
Follow these simple steps for perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms every time:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, sugars and salt. Cream together by beating on medium speed until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Scrape down the bowl. Add the flour and baking soda and beat on low speed just until combined.
- Scoop the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Coat in additional granulated sugar if desired. Place on a prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies look puffy and cracked and the bottom just start to turn brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. (The cookies will crack and that’s okay!) Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan, until the chocolate is set. Serve or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Troubleshooting Common Peanut Butter Blossom Problems
Even with a great recipe, baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
- How to avoid flat cookies: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading.
- Preventing dry and crumbly cookies: Avoid over-baking the cookies. They should be soft and slightly puffy when you take them out of the oven.
- Preventing the HERSHEY’s KISSES from melting: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the pan so the chocolate sets properly.
- Preventing cookies from sticking to the baking sheet: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Altitude and humidity adjustments: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to reduce the amount of flour slightly. In humid conditions, chilling the dough before baking can help prevent spreading.
Delicious Variations on Peanut Butter Blossoms
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations on the classic recipe:
| Variation | Ingredient Substitution | Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Different Nut Butters | Almond butter, cashew butter | May need to adjust baking time slightly |
| Spices | Cinnamon, nutmeg | Add ½ teaspoon to the flour mixture |
| Extracts | Almond extract, peppermint extract | Substitute for vanilla extract |
| Vegan Adaptation | Vegan butter, flax egg | Ensure vegan chocolate kisses |
| Gluten-Free Adaptation | Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend | May need to add a binder like xanthan gum |
| Different Candies | Mini peanut butter cups, M&Ms | Press into cookies after baking |
These cookies are perfect as one of many treats and drinks to share at a party.
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are delicious on their own, but here are some creative ways to enjoy them:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
- Trifles: Crumble the cookies into a trifle with layers of pudding, whipped cream, and berries.
- Dessert Cocktails: Crumble a cookie over a chocolate martini for a festive garnish.
How to Store Peanut Butter Blossoms
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Peanut Butter Blossoms for Every Holiday
Peanut Butter Blossoms can be customized for any holiday!
- Halloween: Use orange and black sprinkles, or press candy corn into the center instead of chocolate kisses.
- Valentine’s Day: Use red and pink sprinkles, or press a chocolate heart into the center.
For Christmas, I love making Christmas tree Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- Divide your dough into three portions and dye them with green food coloring.
- Roll the dough into small balls and stack them on top of each other, starting with the largest ball at the bottom and ending with the smallest at the top.
- Before baking, gently press down on the stack to flatten it slightly, creating a Christmas tree shape.
- Bake as directed and decorate with green sprinkles.
If you are looking for another festive treat for Christmas, check out this Amazing Christmas Cranberry Bars Recipe This Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Blossoms:
Can you make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before rolling.
Do I have to use Hershey’s kisses?
No, you can use any chocolate candy you like.
How do you store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can you freeze them?
Yes, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I make my own?
Yes, you can make your own brown sugar by mixing 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Can I make these with a cookie mix? How to adapt the recipe.
Yes, you can adapt this recipe using a peanut butter cookie mix. Simply prepare the mix according to the package instructions, then roll the dough in sugar and press a chocolate kiss into the center after baking.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms are more than just cookies; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a symbol of togetherness, and a simple way to bring joy to any occasion. I truly believe this recipe is the best way to make them at home.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some sweet memories. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Leave a comment below with your questions or share your results with me. Happy baking!
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