Peanut Butter Blossoms are an iconic cookie that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with a sweet, rich Hershey’s Kiss nestled right on top. The contrast between the soft, chewy cookie and the chocolatey center makes this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. These cookies are perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or whenever you're craving a classic comfort treat. The best part? They’re easy to make, and the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply irresistible!

What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies rolled in granulated sugar, baked to perfection, and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss while still warm. The heat from the cookies melts the chocolate just enough to make it soft but not gooey. The result is a deliciously chewy cookie with a sweet, melty chocolate center. These cookies are a holiday favorite but can be enjoyed all year round.

Ingredients List for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

To make a batch of these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Peanut Butter Cookies:

½ cup 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 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

24-30 Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate, unwrapped)

Substitutions and Variations

If you need to adjust the recipe to fit dietary restrictions or experiment with new flavors, here are a few options:

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to maintain the cookie’s structure.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter alternative and dairy-free chocolate to make the cookies completely dairy-free.
Chunky Peanut Butter: For added texture, swap out creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter, which will give the cookies an extra crunch.
Alternative Chocolates: Instead of Hershey’s Kisses, try using chocolate stars, mini peanut butter cups, or dark chocolate squares for a twist on the classic.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of granulated sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Peanut Butter Blossoms is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to bake the perfect batch:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

4. Shape the Cookies:

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

5. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies are still soft in the center.
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is normal.

6. Cool the Cookies:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The Hershey’s Kisses will soften from the heat of the cookies but will firm up again as they cool.

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

Creaming Butter and Sugars: Start by beating the butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a soft, chewy texture.
Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure to stop once the dough comes together.
Shaping and Baking: Roll the dough into sugar-coated balls and bake them until just set for the perfect chewy texture.
Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss: Place the chocolate kiss on the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the kiss, allowing it to adhere perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Cookies: Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven to ensure they stay chewy.
Skipping the Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough in sugar before baking not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their classic sparkle and slightly crispy exterior.
Pressing the Kisses Too Early: Wait until the cookies come out of the oven before pressing in the Hershey’s Kisses. Adding them before baking will cause the chocolate to melt too much and lose its shape.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a fun and festive cookie, and with a few presentation touches, you can make them the star of any dessert table.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms:

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk for a classic, nostalgic treat.
Arrange them on a holiday platter alongside other cookies like snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, and gingerbread for a festive cookie spread.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms:

Holiday Sprinkles: Roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.
Mini Kisses: For bite-sized treats, use mini Hershey’s Kisses and make smaller dough balls to create mini Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an extra chocolatey touch.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and egg are at room temperature before you start. This helps the ingredients blend more easily and gives the cookies a better texture.
Storing the Cookies: Store Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Freezing Dough: If you want to make the dough ahead of time, roll it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply roll the frozen dough in sugar and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?
A: Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
A: Absolutely. Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the cookies. If you love the idea of a peanutty crunch, go for it.

Q: Why do my cookies crack when I press in the Hershey’s Kiss?
A: Slight cracking around the edges is completely normal and expected when you press the chocolate into the warm cookie. It gives the cookies their classic look!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie that combines the unbeatable flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Their soft, chewy texture and rich, sweet flavor make them a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family get-togethers. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to bake with kids! With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of these delightful cookies ready to enjoy in no time. Whip up a batch today and savor the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate with every bite. Happy baking!