Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you're looking for a timeless, delicious, and easy-to-make cookie that never fails to impress, then you're in the right place! Peanut Butter Blossoms combine the sweet, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the rich, decadent taste of a chocolate kiss on top, making it a fan favorite for both kids and adults alike. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making the perfect batch of classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. Stick around to learn about substitutions, tips, and how to make your cookies stand out at the dessert table.

What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic American cookie that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. The cookie is essentially a soft, chewy peanut butter base topped with a Hershey's chocolate kiss that slightly melts into the cookie. The combination of flavors—salty, nutty peanut butter with creamy chocolate—creates an irresistible treat that has become a holiday staple, though they're delicious year-round. These cookies have a slightly crisp exterior coated in sugar, but when you bite in, you're greeted by a soft, tender interior.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

To get started, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local grocery store.

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or processed)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for dough)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)

For the Topping:

• Approximately 24-30 Hershey's chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Substitutions and Variations

If you have dietary restrictions or simply want to mix things up, there are several substitutions and variations you can make to this recipe without compromising flavor or texture.

Substitutions:

• Butter: Use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version. Make sure it's unsalted and soft.
• Peanut Butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Eggs: For a vegan or egg-free option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.
• Sugar: If you're trying to cut down on sugar, opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, but make sure the sweetener is designed for baking.

Variations:

• Chocolate: While Hershey's Kisses are the traditional topping, feel free to use any kind of chocolate candy—Reese’s Miniature Peanut Butter Cups or dark chocolate squares can make fun variations.
• Flavors: To enhance the flavor of your cookies, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or even a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for a more intense, chocolate-peanut butter combo.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, it’s time to get started. Below is a detailed guide on how to make the perfect batch of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg, Milk, and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Shape the Dough: Scoop out dough by the tablespoon and roll it between your palms to form small balls. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar until evenly coated.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and lightly golden. The cookies may not look completely done, but this is the perfect time to remove them to ensure they stay soft.
8. Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately press one unwrapped Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is perfectly normal.
9. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

This cookie recipe is very straightforward, but here’s a breakdown of each essential step to make sure you end up with picture-perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms every time.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Always start by gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven. This ensures everything flows smoothly once you begin mixing and baking.
2. Cream Ingredients Properly: When mixing the butter and sugars, take your time to ensure the mixture is fluffy and well-blended. This will help your cookies have a nice, tender crumb.
3. Form Consistent Dough Balls: Rolling the dough evenly helps the cookies bake uniformly. Also, don’t forget to roll them in sugar for that classic, crackly exterior.
4. Timing Is Key: Be cautious about overbaking. The cookies should be slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven since they will continue to cook as they cool.
5. Press in the Chocolate Gently: When you add the Hershey's Kisses, press them in firmly but gently so the cookie cracks slightly, but the kiss doesn't sink too deep.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, there are a few common mistakes that can happen. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Overbaking: Peanut Butter Blossoms can go from soft and chewy to hard and dry if you overbake them, so keep a close eye on the time.
• Not Softening the Butter: Cold butter won't cream properly, leading to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut Butter Blossoms are already beautiful with their sugar-coated, cracked exterior and chocolate kiss on top, but you can elevate their presentation even more with a few simple ideas.

1. Stack in a Cookie Jar: Place your cookies in a glass jar for a classic, homey presentation that works well for gifting.
2. Arrange on a Tiered Tray: For parties or holidays, present the cookies on a tiered serving tray alongside other treats like brownies or sugar cookies.
3. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a festive touch, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar. This adds a snowy, holiday feel.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect on their own, but you can serve them alongside a few other complementary items to enhance your dessert table:

• With Milk or Hot Cocoa: The classic pairing of cookies and milk can't be beaten, but these also go wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee.
• As Part of a Cookie Assortment: Serve them as part of a larger dessert spread for holidays or special occasions.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

• Freeze Dough for Later: You can freeze the dough balls before rolling them in sugar. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw, roll in sugar, and bake.
• Warm Kisses Slightly: If your chocolate kisses seem to be cracking the cookie too much when pressed in, you can warm them slightly by letting them sit in a warm room or on top of the oven (not in the oven) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, but it will change the texture slightly. The cookies will be a bit crunchier, and the dough may not be as smooth.

2. Can I freeze the baked cookies? Yes, baked Peanut Butter Blossoms freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate? Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, any small chocolate or chocolate chip can work.

Conclusion

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making them a beloved treat for any occasion. Whether you're baking them for a holiday cookie swap or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this foolproof recipe ensures delicious results every time. With some minor adjustments, you can tailor this recipe to suit any dietary needs or personal preferences. Now that you're equipped with all the know-how, it’s time to get baking!

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