Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Classic Holiday Treat

Introduction

When it comes to holiday baking, few cookies are as iconic and beloved as Peanut Butter Blossoms. These delightful treats combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the perfect crunch of a cookie and the indulgent sweetness of a chocolate kiss on top. Their irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them an enduring favorite for any occasion, but they’re especially popular during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a festive party, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy with your family, Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to steal the show.

First introduced in the 1950s, these cookies have become a staple in many households. The rich peanut butter base is perfectly balanced with the sweet chocolate kiss that sits on top, making each bite a little piece of heaven. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also fun to make, and their cheerful appearance makes them a hit at any holiday gathering.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these cookies from scratch, as well as some fun variations to try. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, you’ll find that making Peanut Butter Blossoms is a simple and rewarding experience. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless favorite that everyone loves.
• Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: These cookies can be customized with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or even white chocolate kisses.
• Perfect for Sharing: Peanut Butter Blossoms are ideal for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or simply spreading holiday cheer.
• Fun to Decorate: Placing the chocolate kiss in the center gives you a fun opportunity to decorate each cookie, and the kids will love getting involved.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: Makes about 30 cookies, depending on the size of your dough balls.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 150
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter: The star of the show, providing a creamy, nutty flavor and richness to the cookie dough.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps create a smooth dough and adds richness.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, balancing the savory peanut butter.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough together and provides structure.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread slightly during baking.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and complexity to the dough.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls): Used to roll the dough balls before baking, giving them a nice, slightly crunchy coating.
• 30 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped): The signature touch that makes these cookies truly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color.

STEP 2: MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Start at a low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase to medium-high speed and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully combined. You’ll notice that the dough starts to come together in a smooth, cohesive ball.

STEP 3: ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.

Once the dough is well combined, you may notice it is slightly sticky. This is normal, so don’t worry. You’ll be able to roll it into dough balls soon.

STEP 4: CHILL THE DOUGH

To make the dough easier to handle, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

STEP 5: FORM THE DOUGH BALLS

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. The dough should be smooth and easy to roll. After forming the dough balls, roll each one in a small dish of granulated sugar to coat them lightly.

Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading. The cookies will expand slightly during baking, so make sure there’s enough space between them.

STEP 6: BAKE THE COOKIES

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Be sure not to overbake them, as they will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet once removed from the oven.

STEP 7: ADD THE CHOCOLATE KISSES

As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Gently press down until the chocolate kiss is firmly embedded in the center. The warm cookie will help the chocolate kiss stay in place.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 8: SERVE AND ENJOY

Once the cookies are fully cooled, they’re ready to enjoy! The chocolate kiss will be smooth and melty, providing a perfect contrast to the crispy, peanut-buttery base. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just as a sweet treat to share with family.

How to Serve

Serve with Milk or Coffee: Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for dipping in a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. The creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate complement both drinks beautifully.

Gift-Giving: These cookies make an excellent holiday gift. Place them in a festive tin or box and tie with a ribbon for a sweet and thoughtful present.

Cookie Platters: Add these cookies to your holiday cookie platter for a festive touch. They’ll fit right in alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies, snickerdoodles, and sugar cookies.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugars. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so it’s important to remove them from the oven when they’re just golden on the edges.
3. Keep the Chocolate Kisses Soft: If you want the chocolate kisses to stay soft and melty, avoid letting them sit too long after pressing them into the cookies. Let them cool down just enough for the chocolate to firm up slightly.
4. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.
5. Customize the Toppings: While the traditional Hershey’s Kiss is a classic, you can also experiment with different types of chocolate or candy. Try using milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter cups for a fun twist!

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, try placing mini peanut butter cups in the center of each cookie for an even more peanut-buttery flavor.
• Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist. Pair this with a milk chocolate or dark chocolate kiss for extra decadence.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to use a gluten-free chocolate kiss to complete the recipe.
• Miniature Blossoms: If you prefer bite-sized cookies, roll the dough into smaller balls and use mini chocolate kisses instead of regular-sized ones.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Be sure to place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds before enjoying them.

FAQ Section

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, you can substitute smooth peanut butter for the chunky variety. The texture of the cookie may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If you want to freeze it, roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake as needed.

How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting too much?
To avoid the chocolate from melting too much, be sure to press the kisses into the hot cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. Also, don’t overbake the cookies, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and lose its shape.

Can I use another type of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! You can use chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, or even small pieces of your favorite chocolate bar. The key is to choose something that will complement the peanut butter flavor.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect blend of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate, creating a holiday cookie that is both delicious and visually appealing. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and wide appeal, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to delight.

So, grab your ingredients and start baking these scrumptious treats today. With every bite, you’ll experience the joy and warmth of the holidays—and who can resist the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? Happy baking!

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