Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic treat that never fails to bring a smile to your face. With their soft, chewy texture and the delightful surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled on top, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just because, this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. This recipe not only combines those two flavors beautifully but also offers a simple yet effective way to whip up a batch in no time. Let’s dive into why this recipe works every single time and how you can achieve cookie perfection.
Why It Works Every Time
The secret to the success of Peanut Butter Blossoms lies in the balance of ingredients and the method of preparation. The combination of softened butter and peanut butter creates a creamy base that holds the cookies together while ensuring they remain soft and chewy. The sugars add sweetness and contribute to the delightful texture, while the egg provides structure.
Adding baking soda helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect, slightly domed shape, while the flour binds everything together. The final touch—Hershey’s Kisses—adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the nutty peanut butter. This cookie is a symphony of flavor and texture that is hard to resist.
Ingredient List
To make these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 48 unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses
Tools of the Trade
Before you begin baking, make sure you have the following tools at your disposal:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to great cookies.
- Baking sheets: Ensure they are lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning the dough evenly.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Cooking Guide
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started with the step-by-step guide to making Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter. Using an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Sugars
Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and the light brown sugar to the creamed butter and peanut butter. Continue to mix until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Egg, Milk, and Vanilla
Add the large egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will melt the chocolate slightly, creating that perfect blossom effect.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Blossoms with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these seasonal flavor boosts for your Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Chopped Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts for added crunch.
- Minty Fresh: Use mint-flavored chocolate kisses for a refreshing minty experience.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even seasoned bakers can stumble when it comes to making Peanut Butter Blossoms. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using cold butter: Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
- Skipping the sugar coating: Don’t forget to roll the cookie dough balls in sugar; it gives them that classic look and adds extra sweetness.
- Not letting them cool: Give your cookies time to set up before moving them, or they may crumble.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Flavor Preservation: Keep cookies away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their flavor.
Handy Q&A
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of conventional peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure to stir it well before measuring, as natural peanut butter can be more oily.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
If Hershey’s Kisses are unavailable, you can substitute with any chocolate candy or chocolate chips that you prefer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version of Peanut Butter Blossoms.
How can I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, underbake them slightly and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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See You at the Table
Baking is more than just a method; it’s a way to share love and create memories. The joy of pulling a warm batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms from the oven, surrounded by family and friends, is an experience like no other. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your home. Enjoy every bite of these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms!
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 48 unwrapped Hershey's Kisses
Instructions
Instructions:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and peanut butter. Cream together until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well incorporated.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the remaining granulated sugar.
- Step 7: Place the dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Step 8: Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as you remove them from the oven.
- Step 9: Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheets
- Cookie Scoop
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for the best texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time; cookies should be slightly soft in the center.
- Roll dough balls in sugar for that classic look and extra sweetness.
