Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping cookie that combines playful presentation with melt-in-your-mouth flavor, Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies absolutely deliver. Each bite is a delightful mix of soft, tender peanut butter cookie, creamy milk chocolate, and just the right hint of salty-sweet crunch. Shaped to resemble adorable bear paws, these cookies are as much fun to make as they are to eat, making them perfect for holiday trays, family gatherings, or any day you want a little whimsy with your dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies lies in classic, fuss-free ingredients that transform into something magical. Each component brings its own spark to this cookie, from the nutty richness of peanut butter to the sweet kiss of chocolate—nothing extra, but nothing missing either!

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives the cookies their tender crumb and buttery base—be sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star ingredient for that beloved peanutty richness and soft texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup, plus ¼ cup for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a little outside crunch when rolled.
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings moisture and a touch of caramel flavor—don’t skimp on packing it tight!
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together for perfectly cohesive dough.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the creamy, nutty, and chocolatey notes.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides the structure these cookies need to hold their shape.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff ever so slightly for a cloudlike chew.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Perks up every flavor in the bowl; don’t skip it.
• Milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (24, unwrapped): The signature chocolate center—classic and irresistible.
• Mini chocolate chips (48, for claws): These transform each cookie into a playful bear paw—totally kid-approved!

How to Make Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper so your Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies don’t stick and bake up perfectly golden on the bottom. This little bit of prep sets you up for cookie success and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this can take around 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer. Creaming thoroughly here adds crucial air and gives your cookies a soft, pillowy interior.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your buttery base is beautifully whipped, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This step brings everything together, creating a cohesive, silky dough ready to embrace the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, preventing any surprise bites. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet, blending just until the dough comes together—over-mixing can make the cookies tough!

Step 5: Shape and Roll the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form balls. For ultimate Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies delight, toss each ball in granulated sugar. The sugar coating gives a sparkling, crackly finish you’ll love.

Step 6: Flatten and Bake

Arrange the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each one with your palm—just a little, so they bake up with the perfect shape. Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges set and the tops look slightly puffed.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kisses and Claws

As soon as you pull the cookies from the oven, press a milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. Then, place two mini chocolate chips at the bottom edge to mimic adorable little bear claws. Timing is crucial—the warmth of the cookies helps anchor the chocolates firmly in place.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies to sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes the cookies sturdier and allows the chocolate to set, creating that delightful bite-through experience!

How to Serve Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, dust these cookies lightly with a bit of powdered sugar or a few sprinkles, especially if you’re sharing them on a festive platter. They already steal the show with their bear paw shapes, but a touch of garnish can add an extra splash of fun.

Side Dishes

Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies pair deliciously with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of cocoa for kids and adults alike. For a dessert spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit, a bowl of mixed nuts, or some vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in a playful “trail” across your serving platter, alternating directions so it looks like bear prints walking through a forest! Or, package a few in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for the cutest edible party favors. These cookies are guaranteed to make any cookie swap or bake sale unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4–5 days—if they last that long!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. You can also freeze portioned dough balls and bake cookies fresh whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

If you’d like that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. This brings back the melty chocolate center and soft texture that make Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and delightful bits of peanut throughout the cookies. Just be aware the dough may be a little chunkier to work with, but the end result is totally worth it.

What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?

No worries! You can use any solid chocolate piece, including chocolate chunks or chocolate disks. Even mini peanut butter cups would be a fun, rich twist for this recipe.

Can kids help make Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?

Yes, and they’ll love it! Rolling the dough, pressing down the Kisses, and adding “claws” are all perfect jobs for little helpers—just make sure an adult handles the oven part.

Is chilling the dough really necessary?

Not always! If your dough is firm enough to roll, you can skip the chill. On extra warm days or if your dough seems sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make shaping the cookies a breeze.

How do I keep the chocolate from melting too much?

Press the Kisses and mini chips into the cookies right after baking, then let them cool undisturbed. If your kitchen is warm, you can move the cookies to the fridge for a few minutes so the chocolate sets nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking Bear Paw Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies—the aroma, the playfulness, and of course, the incredible bite when peanut butter and chocolate meet. Give this recipe a try and let these whimsical, crowd-pleasing cookies add a little joy and sweetness to your next celebration or cookie jar!

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