Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Looking for a timeless, crowd-pleasing cookie recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of a chocolate Hershey's kiss on top. These cookies are a staple in many households, especially during the holiday season, but they’re just as perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just because! Follow this guide to make the best peanut butter blossoms, and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this iconic cookie.

Read on for an in-depth look at every step of this delicious recipe, including ingredients, tips, and techniques to make your peanut butter blossoms truly unforgettable.

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What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a single chocolate Hershey's kiss. They’re known for their distinctive look: a lightly cracked peanut butter cookie with a chocolate center, creating a delightful contrast in flavor and texture. First made popular in the 1950s, Peanut Butter Blossoms have since become a classic American cookie. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate makes these cookies irresistible, and they're perfect for any occasion, especially holiday cookie exchanges and family gatherings.

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Ingredients List for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

To make these classic peanut butter blossoms, you'll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 24-30 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

These ingredients will yield about 24-30 cookies, depending on the size you make them. Each element contributes to the cookie’s soft, chewy texture and distinct flavor, so be sure to measure accurately!

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Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some popular substitutions and variations for Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. Peanut Butter: For a slightly different texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy. This will add a little extra crunch to the cookies.
2. Alternative Sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can replace some of the sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or a natural sweetener like honey, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
3. Chocolate Variations: Instead of Hershey's Kisses, try topping your cookies with chocolate chunks, mini peanut butter cups, or even a small piece of dark chocolate.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used 1:1. Make sure to check for any additional adjustments the flour blend may need.

Feel free to experiment with these variations, but the classic combination is hard to beat!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a breakdown of the steps to make perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by unwrapping 24-30 Hershey's Kisses and set them aside in the freezer. Freezing them helps keep the chocolate from melting when placed on the warm cookies.
2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well incorporated.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
7. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Add the Chocolate Kiss: Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. The cookie will crack around the edges – that’s exactly what you want!

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

Here’s a more detailed guide to help you cook Peanut Butter Blossoms to perfection:

1. Mixing the Dough: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you begin. Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugars, which can affect the texture of your cookies. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugars together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Combining Ingredients Carefully: Add the dry ingredients slowly to avoid over-mixing, which can make the cookies tough. Just mix until there are no visible streaks of flour.
3. Rolling the Dough: For even baking, try to roll each ball of dough to a consistent size. Rolling them in sugar adds a nice touch of sweetness and a slight crunch to the outside of the cookie.
4. Timing is Key: The cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out. They will continue to bake slightly on the baking sheet.
5. Adding the Hershey’s Kiss: Place the chocolate kiss on the cookies right out of the oven. The heat from the cookie will slightly melt the base of the kiss, making it stick to the cookie.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cold Butter: Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming with the sugars, which creates a smooth dough.
2. Over-baking: These cookies are meant to be soft. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden to avoid a hard, dry texture.
3. Skipping the Freezing Step for the Chocolate Kisses: Freezing the kisses helps them hold their shape when pressed onto the warm cookies.
4. Over-mixing the Dough: Over-mixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are best enjoyed fresh, while the cookie is still soft and the chocolate is slightly melted. However, they’re also perfect for gifting! Arrange them in decorative tins, or line a plate with holiday-themed paper and stack the cookies neatly. They make a charming and delicious gift!

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How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms as an after-dinner treat, a coffee-time snack, or add them to a dessert platter alongside other cookies. They also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie swaps. For added flair, pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.

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Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Holiday Tins: Place them in a festive holiday tin lined with parchment paper. Layer the cookies neatly, and add a bow on top for a thoughtful homemade gift.
2. Cookie Platter: Arrange on a colorful platter with other types of cookies for a stunning dessert presentation.
3. Gift Jars: Stack the cookies in a clear glass jar and tie a ribbon around the lid. This makes a beautiful and tasty gift idea for friends and family.

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Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

1. Measure Ingredients Accurately: For consistent results, use the spoon-and-level method for flour, and pack your brown sugar tightly.
2. Keep the Chocolate in the Freezer: This prevents the kisses from melting too much when pressed into the warm cookies.
3. Experiment with Chocolate Varieties: Try different types of chocolate kisses like dark chocolate or caramel-filled for a fun twist.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?

• Yes! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use natural peanut butter?

• It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and affect the texture of the cookies.

3. How should I store Peanut Butter Blossoms?

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage.

4. Can I double the recipe?

• Absolutely! This recipe doubles well, which is great for large gatherings or holiday baking.

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Conclusion

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a beloved cookie recipe that never goes out of style. With their perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, they’re sure to be a hit. Whether you’re baking for a holiday event, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are a simple, delicious treat that everyone will love. Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to bake a batch and share the love!

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