Name: Peanut Butter Blossoms
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; Chocolate kisses

The Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The moment you pull these chewy, sweet cookies out of the oven, the rich aroma of peanut butter fills your kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. As the soft, golden cookies crinkle slightly, they wait beneath a shiny, melted Hershey’s Kiss, inviting you to take a bite. The delightful combination of a nutty, slightly salty cookie with a smooth, sweet chocolate center creates an unforgettable taste sensation. Whether you whip these up for an after-school snack or to share at a festive celebration, this recipe is bound to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, buckle up and prepare for a delightful baking adventure!

Understanding Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms hold a special place in American baking history, often associated with holiday festivities and family gatherings. This comforting dessert combines a chewy peanut butter cookie with the iconic chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, blending two beloved flavors into one irresistible bite. Originating in the 1950s, these cookies quickly became a staple, not just for their delicious taste, but also for their easy-to-follow recipe that encourages baking together as a family. Often served at potlucks, cookie exchanges, or simple family dinners, they bring everyone together, sparking joy and warmth.

What makes Peanut Butter Blossoms even more appealing is their versatility. Traditional baking methods aside, they can also be prepared in an air fryer or even a slow cooker, enhancing their flavor while saving time. The air fryer yields a crispier bottom and fluffier top, all while cutting down on reheating time. Served warm with a glass of cold milk or at room temperature for a delightful after-dinner treat, these cookies become a cherished memory in every household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best parts about making Peanut Butter Blossoms is how incredibly easy the preparation is. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, even novice bakers can succeed. The combination of flavors creates a delightful complexity that keeps you coming back for more, making it impossible to eat just one. These cookies are kid-approved, making them a fantastic option for family baking nights. Plus, they are budget-friendly, utilizing pantry staples to create something deliciously special.

Ease of Preparation: With only a few steps to follow, these cookies can be whipped up in no time, allowing you to enjoy the process without stress.
Flavor Complexity: The balance of nutty peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a perfect flavor harmony that is both satisfying and addictive.
Family-Friendly: Kids love being involved in the kitchen, and rolling the dough into balls is a fun activity for little hands.
Budget-Friendly: Most ingredients are kitchen staples, making this recipe accessible and economical for everyone.
Ingredient Flexibility: If you have allergies or specific dietary needs, it’s easy to substitute ingredients while still maintaining the deliciousness.

Your Guide to Making Peanut Butter Blossoms at Home

Making Peanut Butter Blossoms is straightforward and enjoyable, even for beginners. You’ll only need a few essential tools: a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and a whisk. The entire process can be completed in about 30 minutes, from prep to crispy cookie bliss. You’ll combine the ingredients, shape the cookies, and let the magic happen in the oven. The result? Soft, sweet cookies that melt in your mouth!

Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter: Provides the rich, nutty flavor and chewy texture essential to this cookie.
1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the cookie, creating a beautiful balance with the saltiness of the peanut butter.
1 cup brown sugar: Contributes moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor, enhancing overall taste.
2 large eggs: Binds the dough together while also adding a richness that complements the other ingredients.
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect texture, ensuring the cookies aren’t too chewy or crumbly.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, causing the cookies to rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the flavors in the cookies.
Chocolate kisses: The cherry on top! These melt slightly while baking, creating a gooey, irresistible center.

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). The right temperature ensures that your cookies bake evenly and acquire that perfect golden color.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these together until light and fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. You should be met with a wonderful peanut aroma filling your kitchen.
Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re well incorporated into the mixture. The dough will start to feel creamy and fragrant at this stage.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly until fully combined. Your dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Shape the Cookies: With clean hands, roll small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will spread during baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. When the edges are golden brown, and the centers look slightly underbaked, they are ready! The aroma will have you smiling from ear to ear.
Add the Kisses: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Delicious Pairings for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with various beverages and snacks. For a classic touch, serve them next to a tall glass of cold milk—nothing beats that nostalgic combination! Coffee lovers can enhance their experience with a hot brew, as the bitter notes beautifully contrast the sweetness of the cookies.

For a simple treat, try pairing these cookies with fresh fruit like sliced apples or bananas, which can add a refreshing bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent dessert sandwich. The creamy ice cream melts into the warm cookie, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Blossoms

To ensure that your Peanut Butter Blossoms are the best they can be, a few tips can make a big difference in flavor and texture. First, make sure to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth dough – it allows the cookies to hold their shape better while baking. Second, don’t overbake your cookies; they should look slightly underdone when you take them out to achieve that chewy texture. Cooling them properly is equally vital; letting them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes allows them to set without becoming too hard.

Ingredient Swaps: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spice Adjustments: Add a dash of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist that complements the peanut butter.
Equipment Advice: Using parchment paper can prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.
Storage Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.
Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid pressing the chocolate kisses into the cookies too hard; you want a gentle push so they retain their shape.

Variations & Add-Ins

Peanut Butter Blossoms can be easily personalized with various delicious variations. For those wanting to add some crunch, consider incorporating chopped peanuts or chocolate chips into the dough for extra texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the Hershey’s Kiss for other chocolate varieties such as caramel-filled or mint-flavored kisses, bringing a twist to the classic flavor.

For a holiday-inspired version, sprinkle festive colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking, turning them into a cheerful treat. Vegan bakers can replace the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter to make an equally sumptuous cookie everyone can enjoy.

Kid-Friendly Version

To create a kid-friendly version of these Peanut Butter Blossoms, consider modifying the presentation and flavors. Younger children love fun shapes and decorations, so let them use cookie cutters instead of rolling balls. They can also decorate with sprinkles or start a cookie-decorating station with melted chocolate drizzle for added fun!

Additionally, you could use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in place of refined sugars for a healthier twist. Keep the flavors familiar and playful, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters find joy in baking and enjoying these cookies together.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Once you’ve baked a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll want to ensure they maintain their lovely texture and flavor. Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider placing parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. For an extra treat, you can freeze them! They will stay fresh for up to three months when properly stored in freezer bags or containers.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze. You can place them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave a single cookie for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious to avoid overheating. A quick thaw in the air fryer can also yield delightful results, giving them a slight crispiness.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. When ready, simply shape the cookies and bake as directed.

What are some substitutions I can make?
If you have peanut allergies, sunflower seed butter works wonderfully as a 1:1 substitute. You can also use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic alternative to standard sugars.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can create a delectable gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.

How far in advance can I bake these cookies?
These cookies can be made a few days in advance and stored properly. Storing them in an airtight container will help them stay fresh.

What is the best way to freeze these cookies?
To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, place them in a sealed freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are not just cookies; they’re a heartfelt tradition that brings families together and fills homes with delightful aromas and sweet memories. With their easy preparation, addictive flavor, and charming appearance, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. The next time you’re looking for a tasty treat or a fun activity to do with your loved ones, turn to this simple and delicious recipe. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Print Recipe

Classic chewy cookies topped with a melted Hershey’s Kiss, combining nutty peanut butter with sweet chocolate for an irresistible treat.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 36 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Chocolate kisses

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar, creaming until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture until fully combined.
Roll small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie while warm and let cool on a wire rack.