Peanut Butter Blossoms

Craving a sweet treat that’s the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate? Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic favorite that never fails to satisfy.

With their chewy texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and a chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss center, these cookies are a beloved treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Blossom requires a few essential ingredients that combine to give the cookies their signature taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Cookie Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 18 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into baking these delicious treats, make sure you have the necessary kitchen tools on hand to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essential tools:

1. Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment: A stand mixer helps you cream the butter and sugars together, ensuring they become light and fluffy, which is key for the perfect texture in these cookies.
2. Baking Sheets: Use two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
3. Cookie Scoop: A tablespoon-sized cookie scoop will help you portion the dough consistently and make the shaping process easier.
4. Small Bowl for Sugar: This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking.

Having these tools ready will set you up for success in baking your Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Cookie Preparation

Making the dough for your Peanut Butter Blossoms is the first crucial step in creating these delicious cookies. Follow the steps below to ensure your dough comes out perfectly mixed and ready for baking.

Mixing the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using the paddle attachment, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add Peanut Butter and Mix:
   Next, add the creamy peanut butter to the mixture and mix for 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   Crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Shaping the Dough

Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to shape it into cookie balls.

1. Scoop the Dough:
   Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough into small, even balls.
2. Roll in Sugar:
   In a small bowl, place the remaining granulated sugar. Roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat it thoroughly before placing it on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure the dough balls are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Baking the Cookies

Baking the cookies to perfection is key to achieving that soft and chewy texture with the classic Hershey’s Kiss center. Follow the steps below to ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out just right.

Baking the Cookies

1. First Round of Baking:
   Place the prepared cookie dough balls in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. The cookies should appear cracked and puffy by this time.
2. Add the Hershey’s Kiss:
   Once the cookies have finished the first round of baking, remove them from the oven. Gently press a Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie, being careful not to crack the delicate cookie. The Kiss should sink slightly into the dough but remain on top.
3. Final Bake:
   Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. This ensures that the cookies stay soft and chewy while the Hershey’s Kiss melts slightly into the cookie.
4. Cool the Cookies:
   Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Once slightly cooled, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their perfect texture.

Serving and Decoration

Your Peanut Butter Blossoms are now ready to be served, but a few finishing touches will make them even more irresistible.

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

While these cookies are already delicious on their own, there are a few optional ways to enhance their appearance and flavor:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: If you’d like to add a touch of sweetness, you can lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a festive look.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of chocolate, melt some additional Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate chips and drizzle over the tops of the cookies.
• Sprinkles: To make your Peanut Butter Blossoms even more fun and colorful, you can sprinkle some colorful or holiday-themed sprinkles on top after adding the Hershey’s Kiss.

How to Serve

Peanut Butter Blossoms make a great addition to any cookie platter and are perfect for holiday gatherings, family parties, or simply as a sweet treat any time. Serve them fresh with a glass of milk or enjoy them as a snack throughout the day.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh and delicious for days to come, follow these storage tips:

How to Keep Peanut Butter Blossoms Fresh

Once your cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to prevent them from becoming stale.

Freezing Peanut Butter Blossoms

If you’d like to store these cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or give them a quick reheat in the oven.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate combination of peanut butter and chocolate—soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, party, or just because, they are sure to be a hit.

With easy-to-follow steps and a few simple ingredients, you can make these delightful cookies in no time. Store them properly, and you can enjoy them fresh or frozen for days to come. So gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and get ready to indulge in one of the most beloved cookie recipes around!