Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quintessential holiday treat or just the perfect way to brighten up any cookie platter, look no further than the beloved Peanut Butter Blossoms. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of peanut buttery goodness, all topped with that iconic chocolate Kiss smack dab in the center. There’s something magical about the way the rich, nutty base pairs with ripples of melted chocolate, inviting everyone (of all ages) to reach for seconds. Baking these is as much a joy as eating them, making Peanut Butter Blossoms a repeat request in family kitchens everywhere.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter Blossoms lies in their simplicity—just a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building flavor and creating that signature tender bite. From creamy peanut butter to the sparkle of sugar on top, every element has its moment to shine.

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): This provides a creamy, rich base that helps your cookies bake up both soft and flavorful.
• Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star ingredient, lending both that classic taste and a tender, chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup, plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough and gives every cookie its irresistible sugary sparkle.
• Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Adds depth and moisture, giving just a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough, ensuring the cookies stay together and bake up perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic notes that round out the overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Gives structure to the cookies, so they’re soft but not crumbly.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up and rise while baking.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the mix.
• Hershey’s Kisses (24, unwrapped): The time-honored finishing touch—melt-in-your-mouth chocolate at the heart of every blossom.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Keep going until everything looks especially light and fluffy—this is the secret to a dreamy, soft bite in every Peanut Butter Blossom.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat these in just until you have a smooth, cohesive dough. Your dough should already smell delicious at this point!

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for the best possible texture.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with your creamed peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is just combined—you don’t want to over-mix, as that can make your cookies tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar

Scoop out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball gently in extra granulated sugar until fully coated. This step gives every Peanut Butter Blossom its classic, sparkly finish and an oh-so-subtle crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden, but the centers still look soft.

Step 8: Add the Kisses

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell positively heavenly!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Garnishes

While the classic Hershey’s Kiss is non-negotiable for purists, you can shake things up by sprinkling cookies lightly with flaky sea salt or adding a drizzle of melted chocolate. For a festive flourish, tuck a pinch of colored sanding sugar on top right before the Kiss goes on.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Blossoms are stars on their own, but pairing them with a frosty glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a rich cup of coffee makes snack time feel extra special. Arrange them alongside other holiday cookies for a plate brimming with color, flavor, and good cheer.

Creative Ways to Present

Nothing says “homemade love” like a bundle of Peanut Butter Blossoms tied up in a clear cello bag with ribbon—a perfect edible gift. For parties, display them stacked high on a tiered platter or nestle them into cupcake liners for a polished, bakery-style look. You can even make tiny versions for a cute mini dessert spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, store your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to five days, making them excellent for lunchboxes or a sweet snack whenever you need one.

Freezing

Both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough balls freeze beautifully. Freeze cookies in single layers with parchment between them for up to three months, or freeze unsugared dough balls for a just-baked treat any time—just thaw, roll in sugar, and bake as usual.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop a cookie or two into the microwave for just 5-10 seconds. If you’ve frozen the cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before giving them a gentle warmup to restore that perfect texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add bits of peanut texture to your Peanut Butter Blossoms, making every bite just a bit more exciting and nutty—go ahead and try it if you like a little extra crunch.

Do Hershey’s Kisses melt completely on the cookies?

Nope—the Kisses will soften and get glossy when pressed onto the warm cookies, but they’ll hold their shape as they set. Just be careful to let them cool before stacking or storing to keep the tops looking perfect.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (that measures cup-for-cup) in place of regular flour. The cookies will still turn out tender and delightful, so everyone can enjoy Peanut Butter Blossoms.

How do I prevent the cookies from cracking too much?

A little cracking around the edges is charming and totally normal for Peanut Butter Blossoms. To minimize large cracks, be sure not to overbake and try pressing the Kisses in gently while the cookies are still warm but not super hot.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily for bake sales, parties, or gifts. Simply double every ingredient and bake in batches—just be sure to have plenty of Kisses on hand, because these cookies will disappear fast!

Final Thoughts

There’s just no resisting a plateful of Peanut Butter Blossoms, with their perfect balance of nutty richness and melty chocolate centers. I hope this recipe brings as much happiness to your kitchen as it has to mine—don’t wait for a holiday to bake up a batch and share the smiles!

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