Indulge in Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Perfect Sweet Treat Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms – the classic cookie that’s a must-have for any holiday gathering or bake sale. These delightful treats are a beloved staple in American households, melding the rich, creamy flavors of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of a Hershey’s Kiss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of Peanut Butter Blossoms is a rewarding experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the irresistible world of this timeless cookie!

Table of Contents

The Irresistible Appeal of Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms have long been a staple of holiday baking, gracing cookie trays and dessert tables across the country. These cookies have a special place in the hearts of many, evoking nostalgic memories of cozy winter gatherings and cherished family traditions. Their irresistible combination of a soft, peanut butter-infused cookie base and the creamy, indulgent Hershey’s Kiss on top creates a flavor profile that’s simply out of this world. It’s no wonder these cookies have stood the test of time and continue to be a beloved favorite among cookie enthusiasts.

Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Delightful Ingredient Breakdown

To craft the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need a carefully curated list of ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each one and understand its role in creating these delectable cookies:

• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, peanut butter provides the rich, nutty flavor that gives these cookies their signature taste.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter contributes to the cookies’ tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling): The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar strikes the perfect balance of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and helps create the irresistible chewiness.
• 1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The flour provides structure and helps create the classic Peanut Butter Blossom shape.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent that gives the cookies their soft, pillowy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder works in tandem with the baking soda to ensure the cookies rise and bake evenly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped: The iconic Hershey’s Kiss crowns each cookie, providing a decadent chocolate accent.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Shape Cookies: Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll them in the extra granulated sugar. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffy and the edges are just beginning to brown.
6. Top and Cool: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Blossoms

To ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out beautifully every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing the peanut butter, butter, and egg to come to room temperature before mixing will help the dough come together more easily and create a smoother, more cohesive texture.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies during baking, as they can quickly go from perfectly soft and chewy to dry and crumbly if left in the oven too long. Pull them out when they’re just set and slightly puffy.
• Experiment with mix-ins: For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer your Peanut Butter Blossoms to be less sweet, you can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar in the recipe by a tablespoon or two.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect cookie to serve at any festive gathering or casual get-together. Here are some ideas to make the most of these delightful treats:

• Holiday Cookie Trays: Arrange Peanut Butter Blossoms alongside other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and snowball cookies for a truly impressive display.
• Milk or Coffee Accompaniment: These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee, creating a classic and comforting pairing.
• Dessert Bar Centerpiece: Place a platter of Peanut Butter Blossoms at the center of a dessert bar, surrounded by complementary treats like brownies, fudge, and candied nuts.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

While Peanut Butter Blossoms are undoubtedly a treat, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional profile. A single cookie (without the Hershey’s Kiss) contains approximately 110 calories, 5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, there are a few adjustments you can make to the recipe:

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Nut-free: Replace the peanut butter with a nut-free alternative, such as sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.
• Egg-free: Use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or unsweetened applesauce as a replacement for the egg.
• Dairy-free: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter, and ensure the Hershey’s Kisses are dairy-free.

Remember to always double-check the ingredients and labels to ensure the substitutions are safe and suitable for your specific dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Blossoms

How can I adjust the recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms to accommodate food allergies?

To make Peanut Butter Blossoms more allergy-friendly, consider the following substitutions: For peanut allergies, use sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or almond butter, ensuring they are safe for those with nut allergies. To make the cookies egg-free, substitute one egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes). For gluten-free options, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Always double-check that all ingredients, including Hershey’s Kisses, are free from allergens.

What is the best way to ensure my Peanut Butter Blossoms are chewy and not dry?

To achieve chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms, focus on the following techniques: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure they combine well, which helps create a tender dough. Avoid overbaking; pull the cookies out of the oven when they are just set and slightly puffy, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Additionally, consider slightly under-measuring the flour, as too much can lead to a drier texture.

Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time, and how should I store them?

Yes, you can make Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time. If you want to bake them later, you can freeze the cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, coat them in sugar, and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply add a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months for optimal freshness.

How can I customize Peanut Butter Blossoms for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences?

Customizing Peanut Butter Blossoms is easy and fun! For a chocolate twist, you can mix in cocoa powder or use chocolate peanut butter. To make them more festive, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture. For dietary preferences, try using coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index option, or replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping; dark chocolate or white chocolate Kisses can add unique flavors. Lastly, consider adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, oats, or dried fruit to give your cookies extra texture and taste.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potato Bake
• Million Dollar BBQ Bacon Cheese Dip
• Loaded Cheeseburger Bacon Fry Casserole
• Dr. Pepper Candied Bacon

Embrace the classic charm of Peanut Butter Blossoms and let the sweet, nutty flavors melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy and delight to everyone who tries them. Happy baking!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print