Freshly Baked Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie | recipesbybrad.comA close-up image of a freshly baked peanut butter blossom cookie topped with a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate.
Quick Overview
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic American cookie loved for their soft, chewy texture combined with a rich peanut butter flavor and a signature chocolate kiss center. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making these cookies ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a comforting treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily bake these delightful cookies at home.
Ingredient Breakdown
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe plays a key role in creating the beloved texture and taste. Precise measurements ensure consistent results every time you bake.
Peanut Butter (1 cup)
Use creamy peanut butter to provide a smooth texture and rich nutty flavor. It binds the dough and imparts the signature taste that makes these cookies unique.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
This adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges while keeping the interior tender. Rolling dough balls in sugar before baking enhances the final crunch.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed)
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth with its molasses content, helping create a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior of the cookie.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)
The flour provides structure to the cookie dough. Using all-purpose flour balances tenderness and firmness so cookies hold their shape without being dry.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly during baking, creating a soft crumb while maintaining their classic dense texture.
Baking Powder (½ teaspoon)
Baking powder works alongside baking soda to provide lift and lightness, ensuring your peanut butter blossoms are not too flat or dense.
Salt (½ teaspoon)
A small amount of salt balances sweetness and intensifies peanut butter flavors, making each bite more savory and satisfying.
Eggs (2 large)
Eggs bind all ingredients together while adding richness and moisture that help achieve chewy yet tender cookies.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
This enhances overall flavor complexity by rounding out sweetness with subtle aromatic notes that complement peanut butter perfectly.
Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate Candies (about 48 pieces)
The iconic chocolate kiss pressed into each cookie after baking provides a melty chocolate center contrast that defines Peanut Butter Blossoms visually and in taste.
Step By step Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms
This detailed guide walks you through preparing Peanut Butter Blossoms from start to finish. Follow each step carefully for perfect results every time you bake them.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Proper preparation allows even heat distribution during baking and easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your dough for consistent texture in every cookie.
Step 3: Cream Sugars with Peanut Butter
Using an electric mixer or sturdy spoon, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth. This step incorporates air into the mixture which helps achieve lightness in your finished cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Add eggs one at a time to your creamed mixture while beating continuously to fully incorporate them. Then mix in vanilla extract evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor enhancement across all cookies.
Step 5: Gradually Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Sift or gradually add the dry ingredient blend into your wet mixture while stirring gently but thoroughly until no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing as this could toughen your cookies later on.
Step 6: Shape Dough Balls
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Roll each portion into smooth balls then roll them lightly in granulated sugar before placing them down for extra crunch on top.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake your cookies in preheated oven for approximately eight minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Do not overbake; they will firm up as they cool outside the oven ensuring chewy centers inside each cookie.
Step 8: Press Chocolate Kisses into Cookies
Immediately after removing from oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each warm cookie. The heat softens chocolate slightly allowing it to nestle perfectly without melting completely away.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Serving
Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for five minutes then transfer them carefully to wire racks until fully cooled. Cooling ensures proper setting of chocolate centers along with optimal chewiness of cookie bases before serving or storing.
Serving and Storing Tips
If you want your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh longer or serve them beautifully, follow these practical guidelines tailored for both everyday enjoyment and gifting occasions.
Savor Freshly Baked Cookies
The best way to enjoy Peanut Butter Blossoms is shortly after cooling when their centers are soft yet stable while edges stay crisp. Serve at room temperature alongside milk or tea for an inviting snack experience everyone will appreciate.
Airtight Storage Method
You can keep leftover cookies fresh by placing them inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer cookies between parchment paper sheets if stacking them to prevent sticking or smudging chocolate kisses during storage.
Freezing Cookies Safely
If you want longer storage options, freeze cooled Peanut Butter Blossoms individually wrapped in plastic wrap then place them collectively inside freezer bags or containers labeled with dates. They hold quality well frozen up to three months; thaw at room temperature prior to serving.
Packing For Gifting
Select sturdy boxes or tins layered with tissue paper when gifting Peanut Butter Blossoms so delicate cookies don’t break during transit, preserving visual appeal alongside flavor upon arrival.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoiding common errors can make your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfectly. Paying attention to ingredient measurements, dough handling, and baking times is key for ideal texture and flavor.
Overbaking the Cookies
One frequent mistake is baking Peanut Butter Blossoms too long. This causes them to become hard and lose their chewy center. Remove the cookies once the edges start to set but the middle is still soft. They will firm up as they cool, giving you a tender texture.
Using Too Much Flour
Adding excess flour makes the dough dry and crumbly. Measure flour carefully by spooning it into your cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. This helps maintain the cookie’s soft, tender crumb.
Skipping the Chilling Step
Not chilling Peanut Butter Blossoms dough before baking can cause excessive spreading in the oven. Chilling firms the dough so cookies hold their shape better and develop a richer flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes of refrigeration.
Pressing Too Hard When Adding Hershey’s Kisses
Pushing the chocolate kiss too firmly into each cookie can flatten it or crack the base. Gently press just enough for the chocolate to stick without distorting the cookie’s shape, preserving its classic look and texture.
Tips and tricks
Following some simple tips can improve your Peanut Butter Blossoms results every time. These tricks focus on ingredient choices, baking methods, and presentation details that enhance both taste and appearance.
Use Creamy Peanut Butter for Best Texture
Creamy peanut butter blends smoothly into the dough, providing a tender bite with evenly distributed flavor. Chunky varieties add texture but may cause uneven spreading during baking. For consistent results, choose natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar or salt to balance sweetness precisely.
Roll Dough Balls in Granulated Sugar Before Baking
Coating each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing on the tray adds a subtle crunch and a sparkling finish to your Peanut Butter Blossoms. The sugar caramelizes slightly while baking, complementing the soft cookie texture with a delicate crispness on top.
Bake on Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats
Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevents sticking without extra grease, helping maintain cookie shape. It also simplifies cleanup and promotes even heat distribution for uniform browning of your Peanut Butter Blossoms cookies every batch.
Add Vanilla Extract for Depth of Flavor
A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances your Peanut Butter Blossoms by adding warmth and complexity to their flavor profile. Vanilla complements peanut butter’s richness beautifully, making each bite more fragrant and satisfying without overpowering sweetness.
Suggestions for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Customizing your Peanut Butter Blossoms lets you create unique treats suited to different tastes or occasions. Consider these ideas to personalize your batch while keeping classic charm intact.
Try Different Chocolate Toppings
While traditional recipes use Hershey’s Kisses, you can experiment with dark chocolate chips or mini peanut butter cups for variety. Each option offers a distinct flavor contrast that pairs well with peanut butter’s nutty sweetness.
Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A light dusting of flaky sea salt over warm cookies balances sweetness and intensifies flavors in Peanut Butter Blossoms. This simple touch creates an appealing sweet-salty combination that many find irresistible.
Incorporate Crushed Nuts Into Dough
Add finely chopped peanuts or walnuts into your dough for extra crunch and depth of flavor. Nuts complement peanut butter naturally while giving texture variety that makes every bite interesting without overwhelming softness.
FAQs
What makes Peanut Butter Blossoms unique?
Peanut Butter Blossoms stand out because of their signature combination: soft peanut butter cookies topped with a chocolate kiss pressed gently in the center after baking. This pairing balances rich peanut flavor with silky chocolate, creating an iconic treat enjoyed worldwide.
How long should I bake Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Bake these cookies at around 375°F (190°C) for approximately eight to ten minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Baking longer risks drying them out while less time might leave raw dough inside.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms dough?
You can freeze the prepared dough balls on a lined tray until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container for up to three months. Bake from frozen by adding an extra minute or two to usual baking time for fresh-tasting cookies anytime.
Is it necessary to chill Peanut Butter Blossoms dough?
Chilling is recommended because it helps prevent excessive spreading during baking which keeps cookies plump with chewy centers. It also improves flavor development by allowing ingredients to meld overnight if refrigerated longer before shaping.
Summary
Avoid common pitfalls like overbaking or skipping chilling when making Peanut Butter Blossoms for best outcomes. Use creamy peanut butter, roll dough in sugar, and bake on nonstick surfaces for consistent texture and appearance. Customize toppings or add nuts to suit personal taste while preserving this classic cookie’s charm.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
An easy, family-favorite cookie! Soft and chewy peanut butter blossoms topped with classic chocolate kisses—perfect for kids to help make.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 36 Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, unwrapped
- Additional granulated sugar, for rolling dough balls (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture; beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix on low speed just until combined. The dough will be soft but manageable.
- Scoop rounded teaspoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly. Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft — the cookies will firm up while cooling.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie may crack around the edges—that’s normal.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the chocolate set firmly.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheets (2)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spoon or small cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
Notes
-
- If dough feels too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before shaping.
- The cookies may crack slightly when pressing in the chocolate kiss; this is part of their classic look.
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter—just ensure it’s well stirred and smooth.
- Avoid overbaking; remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft for best chewy texture.
Allergy Information
- Contains: Peanuts, Wheat (gluten), Milk (butter), Egg
- Optional Substitutions: Use sunflower seed butter for peanut-free alternative; gluten-free flour blend may replace all-purpose flour; dairy-free butter substitute can be used.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 110mg