Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Looking for a cookie recipe that's simple, nostalgic, and universally loved? Look no further! Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolatey Hershey's kiss. Whether you're baking for the holidays, a party, or just for a cozy treat at home, this iconic recipe will impress. In this article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to make the perfect peanut butter blossoms, from the ingredients to substitutions, and even expert tips to make sure your cookies are flawless. So grab your apron, and let's get baking!

What are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic cookies that have been a staple in American kitchens for decades. These delightful cookies are characterized by their soft, chewy peanut butter base and the signature Hershey's kiss pressed into the center right after baking. The combination of the rich, nutty peanut butter flavor and the sweet chocolate makes this an irresistible treat.

This recipe gained popularity in the 1950s and has since become a holiday favorite, although it’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these delicious treats and how to perfect them step by step.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Before you start baking, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make a batch of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. ½ cup butter (softened) – The butter will add richness and help the cookies maintain their soft texture.
2. ½ cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread while baking.
3. ½ cup brown sugar (packed) – The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture, making the cookies chewy.
4. ½ cup creamy peanut butter – The star of the show! Peanut butter gives the cookies their signature nutty flavor.
5. 1 egg (large) – Acts as a binder and adds richness.
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
7. 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the cookies.
8. 1 teaspoon baking soda – Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice fluffy texture.
9. ½ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances flavor.
10. ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) – This extra sugar adds a slight crunch and sweetness to the outside of the cookies.
11. About 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) – The final touch! Hershey’s Kisses are pressed into the warm cookies after baking.

Substitutions and Variations for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Need to make some adjustments to the recipe? No problem! Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

1. Butter Substitutes: You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute if you need a dairy-free option. Just make sure it's a 1:1 replacement.
2. Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
3. Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is traditional, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used if you have a peanut allergy.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Ensure the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. Chocolate Varieties: If you don’t have Hershey's Kisses, feel free to use other chocolates, like chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, or even mini peanut butter cups.
6. Add a Twist: Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra flavor boost.

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and some ideas for adjustments, let’s get into the actual steps for making these delicious cookies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Here’s a simple guide to baking Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms from start to finish:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (about the size of a tablespoon) and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft.
6. Add the Hershey’s Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, but it will retain its shape as it cools.
7. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these key tips:

• Soften the butter properly: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps with the texture of the cookies, making them soft and chewy.
• Roll the dough in sugar: Don’t skip rolling the dough balls in sugar! This not only adds a sweet crunch but also helps the cookies develop a slightly crispy exterior.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should look just set around the edges and soft in the middle. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Press the chocolate quickly: Add the Hershey’s Kisses immediately after the cookies come out of the oven, so they melt slightly into the cookie but still hold their shape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, which can result in dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened.
• Overbaking: It’s easy to overbake cookies, but this will make them dry and crumbly. Bake them just until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
• Not pressing the Kisses in soon enough: If you wait too long to press the chocolate kisses into the cookies, they won’t melt into the cookie properly and may fall off.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms

The presentation of your Peanut Butter Blossoms can make them even more special, especially if you're serving them at a holiday gathering or special event. Here are a few presentation ideas:

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Serve Warm: While the cookies are great at room temperature, serving them slightly warm makes the peanut butter soft and the chocolate gooey.
• Add a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar: For a festive touch, you can lightly dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar after they’ve cooled.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Holiday Platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful holiday-themed platter for a seasonal touch.
• Cookie Jar Gift: These cookies make great gifts. Layer them in a decorative jar or tin, and tie a ribbon around the top.
• Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies in a pyramid on a cake stand for a visually appealing dessert table centerpiece.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

Here are a few more pro tips to ensure your peanut butter blossoms turn out perfectly:

1. Unwrap the Kisses Ahead of Time: Prepare the Hershey’s Kisses before the cookies go into the oven, so you can press them into the cookies immediately after baking.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find that your dough is too soft or sticky to work with, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before rolling into balls.
3. Double the Batch: These cookies are so good they’ll disappear fast! Consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough balls (without the sugar coating) and bake them fresh when needed.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason for dry cookies. Make sure to bake them just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you're making the dough in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Conclusion

There you have it: the ultimate guide to making Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying these cookies for the first time, this recipe is foolproof and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even as a sweet treat to brighten up your day, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow the tips and tricks in this article, and you're guaranteed to bake up a batch of cookies that everyone will love. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite!

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