Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you’re craving a classic cookie that perfectly balances rich peanut butter flavor with a sweet, chocolatey bloom on top, then you are going to adore this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe. These cookies are a nostalgic treat that burst with taste and texture in every bite—soft, chewy dough coated in sugar, crowned by a melty Hershey’s Kiss that feels like a little present waiting to be unwrapped. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these beauties never fail to brighten the day and bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role: from the creamy peanut butter that gives these cookies their signature taste, to the sugar coatings that add just the right amount of crunch and sparkle, every ingredient is essential for that perfect bite.

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps sweeten and adds subtle crunch when rolled on the dough balls.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moistness and a slight caramel note for depth of flavor.
• 1 cup peanut butter (not natural): The star of the show—creamy and smooth peanut butter creates that unmistakable flavor and chewy texture.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the cookie’s tender structure.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled): Gives the cookies their structure and helps them hold their shape.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to keep the cookies light and soft.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling sugar crust that adds a delightful texture contrast.
• 40 Hershey’s Kisses: The delightful chocolate centerpiece that melts atop each cookie, bringing decadence and charm.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Hershey’s Kisses

Start by popping your Hershey’s Kisses into the freezer. This simple trick helps the chocolate hold its shape once you press it into the hot cookies, so your blossoms stay neat and beautiful instead of sliding off.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy. Add the granulated and brown sugars, beating them in until the mixture is fluffy and fully combined—no lumps of butter in sight. This step builds the perfect base for soft, tender cookies.

Step 3: Blend in the Peanut Butter, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the peanut butter, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is beautifully combined. Already, you’ll notice the dough taking on a luscious, creamy texture that promises heavenly peanut butter goodness.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Spoon the flour into the bowl but don’t stir yet. Sprinkle baking soda and salt over the flour, then gently stir these dry ingredients together to help them distribute evenly. This little touch ensures your cookies bake evenly and rise just right.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Dough

Turn your mixer on low and gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Be patient and avoid overmixing—stop as soon as the flour has mostly disappeared and the dough starts to come together, scraping the bowl as you go. Overworked dough can result in tough cookies, and we want soft, melt-in-your-mouth bliss here.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and let it chill for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. If you want to prepare ahead, the dough stores beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances their texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Pour about half a cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl for rolling.

Step 8: Shape and Sugar Coat the Dough Balls

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in granulated sugar to create a sparkling crust, then space them on your prepared sheets. Because these cookies don’t spread much, you can place them fairly close together.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges appear set and the center looks matte rather than shiny. They rise into small, plump mounds with a tender crumb waiting for the next step.

Step 10: Add the Frozen Hershey’s Kisses

While the cookies bake, unwrap your frozen Kisses and keep them chilled. The moment the cookies come out of the oven, firmly press one Kiss into the center of each cookie. The edges will crack slightly, creating that iconic “blossom” look and the chocolate will gently melt into the warm cookie without losing shape.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This quiet moment lets the chocolate set just perfectly. If you’re eager, a quick pop into the fridge speeds this up. Then, savor one warm with a cold glass of milk—a hug for your taste buds.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, dust your Peanut Butter Blossoms with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate. These touches turn a beloved cookie into a showstopper for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold accompaniments pair beautifully against the warm, nutty cookies and melty chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe on a festive platter with colorful napkins or in a clear jar layered with cookie dough balls for a charming gift idea. For holiday parties, cluster them in small baskets with ribbons, making sure these irresistible cookies get the spotlight they deserve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cookies remain soft with that perfect chewy texture, and the chocolate will stay smooth and glossy.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to three months. Dough balls freeze well too; just thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling in sugar and baking fresh.

Reheating

To bring back that warm-from-the-oven feeling, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the chocolate can become grainy instead of melt-in-your-mouth.

FAQs

What type of peanut butter works best in the Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe?

For best results, use a creamy, non-natural peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. They have the right texture and sweetness to create the soft, tender cookies that this recipe promises.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead?

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can affect the cookie’s texture. While you can try it, expect a slightly different consistency, and you might need to adjust the flour amount to compensate.

Why do the Hershey’s Kisses need to be chilled before adding?

Chilling the Kisses prevents them from melting too quickly on the hot cookies and helps them stay neatly in place, creating that classic “blossom” look.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but be sure to choose one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the right texture.

How long do Peanut Butter Blossoms stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these delicious cookies stay fresh and soft for about five days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is a lovingly simple way to whip up cookies that feel like a warm hug — soft peanut butter dough wrapped in sweet sugar, topped with that iconic chocolate kiss that melts just right. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies are sure to win hearts and fill your kitchen with irresistible smells. Give them a try, and get ready to fall in love all over again.

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