My grandma’s Peanut Butter Blossoms have been a cherished family tradition for as long as I can remember. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house always brings back such warm memories of the holidays. I can still picture myself as a little kid, eagerly waiting by the oven, watching the soft dough transform into perfectly golden, peanut butter-filled delights.
Grandma would let me help roll the dough into balls and carefully place a Hershey’s Kiss right in the center before baking. The anticipation of that first bite, with the melted chocolate mingling with the rich peanut butter, was almost too much to bear. Even now, years later, those Peanut Butter Blossoms are the first thing I crave when the holiday season rolls around.
What Makes This Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Special
Let me tell you why this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe stands out from the crowd. After testing countless variations, I’ve discovered the perfect combination that delivers:
- Incredible flavor that’ll have your family asking for seconds
- Simple techniques that work every single time
- Flexible ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store
- Professional results without professional equipment
The Science Behind Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Understanding what happens during cooking makes all the difference. Here’s what sets this recipe apart:
| Technique | Why It Works | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chilling the dough before baking | Allowing the fats to solidify creates a more structured cookie that holds its shape better during baking | Perfectly domed Peanut Butter Blossoms with a soft, chewy texture |
| Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss into the warm cookie immediately after baking | The residual heat helps the chocolate melt slightly, creating a seamless fusion between the peanut butter and chocolate | A beautiful, glossy chocolate kiss that’s firmly embedded in the center of each cookie |
| Slightly underbaking the cookies | Pulling the Peanut Butter Blossoms from the oven just before they’re fully set keeps them soft and fudgy in the center | A delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the luscious, gooey interior |
Essential Ingredients Breakdown
Core Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms:
Primary Ingredients:
- Creamy peanut butter: Look for a high-quality brand with a smooth, creamy texture and no added sugars or oils.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the structure and body to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and caramelization.
Flavor Enhancers:
- Ground cinnamon: A subtle spice note that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Blossoms Instructions
Equipment You’ll Need
Before we start cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: To cream the peanut butter and sugar together.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform dough portions for even baking.
- Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic chocolate candies that crown each Peanut Butter Blossom.
Preparation Timeline
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Rest/Cool Time: 30 minutes
Detailed Cooking Steps
Step 1: Preparation Phase
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the whole milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 2: Initial Cooking
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 3: Flavor Development
Bake the Peanut Butter Blossoms for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still appear slightly underbaked. As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one, allowing the residual heat to melt the chocolate slightly.
Step 4: Final Cooking Stage
Return the Peanut Butter Blossoms to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the chocolate. Keep a close eye to prevent the cookies from overbaking.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Allow the Peanut Butter Blossoms to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cookies firm up and the chocolate to fully set.
Pro Chef Tips for Success
🔥 Temperature Control Tips:
- Bake the cookies at 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately calibrated.
- Look for the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to still appear slightly underbaked.
⚡ Technique Secrets:
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Gently press the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm cookies right after they come out of the oven.
- Avoid overbaking the cookies, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
✨ Flavor Boosting Hacks:
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops of the cookies for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Let the Peanut Butter Blossoms rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Perfect Combinations
This Peanut Butter Blossoms pairs beautifully with:
| Main Pairing | Why It Works | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|
| A cold glass of milk | The creamy, rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate are perfectly balanced by the refreshing, cooling properties of milk | Serve the Peanut Butter Blossoms alongside a tall glass of milk for dipping and dunking |
| A hot cup of coffee or tea | The bold, robust flavors of coffee or the soothing warmth of tea complement the indulgent Peanut Butter Blossoms beautifully | Arrange the cookies on a platter and serve alongside your preferred hot beverage for a cozy, comforting pairing |
| A scoop of vanilla ice cream | The cool, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey Peanut Butter Blossoms | Top each cookie with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible a la mode presentation |
Occasion Ideas
Perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges
- Casual get-togethers with friends and family
- Bake sales and school fundraisers
- Lunchbox treats and after-school snacks
- Gifting to neighbors, coworkers, or teachers
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Short-Term Storage (1-3 days)
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store the Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Keep them at a temperature between 40°F and 45°F (4°C to 7°C).
- You can store the baked cookies separately from the Hershey’s Kisses, or assemble them just before serving.
Reheating Instructions:
- To revive the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and warm the cookie.
- Pro tip: Avoid reheating the cookies for too long, as this can dry them out and make the chocolate too melted.
Recipe Variations & Adaptations
Flavor Variations
Classic Variations:
- Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms: Substitute peanut butter chips or mini peanut butter cups for the Hershey’s Kisses.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Use a combination of peanut butter and cocoa powder in the dough for a rich, double-chocolate twist.
- Peanut Butter Bites: Roll the dough into smaller, bite-sized balls and press a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the center instead of a Hershey’s Kiss.
Dietary Adaptations
| Dietary Need | Substitutions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour | The texture may be slightly more crumbly, but the flavor will still be delicious |
| Dairy-Free | Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for the peanut butter, and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the whole milk | You may need to adjust the dough consistency, as the dairy-free substitutes have different properties |
| Low-Carb | Replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of your preferred low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener | The cookies may not spread and brown as much, but they’ll still satisfy that peanut butter craving |
| Vegan | Use a creamy, unsweetened peanut butter, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate in place of the Hershey’s Kisses | Flax or chia eggs can be used as a binding agent to replicate the structure of the traditional recipe |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem-Solution Guide
| Common Issue | Likely Cause | Quick Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cookies spread too much and lose their shape | Overmixing the dough or using too much sugar | Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their form | Measure the ingredients precisely and avoid over-mixing the dough |
| The cookies are dry and crumbly | Overbaking or using too much flour | Underbake the cookies slightly, and make sure not to pack the flour too tightly when measuring | Use a digital scale to weigh the flour, and pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are just starting to brown |
| The chocolate doesn’t melt properly or stays hard | Pressing the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies when they’re too cool | Immediately press the Hershey’s Kisses into the warm, freshly baked cookies | Work quickly to press the chocolates into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These cookies actually taste even better after a day or two. You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. The baked cookies also keep well for 3-5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: What’s the best substitute for peanut butter?
A: If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different nut butter, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well as a one-to-one replacement.
Q: How do I know when the Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfectly done?
A: Look for the edges to be lightly golden brown and the centers to still appear slightly underbaked. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Avoid overbaking, as that can lead to dry, crumbly cookies.
Q: Can I double or halve this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales up or down very easily. When doubling, be sure to use a large enough mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume of dough. For halving, simply divide all the ingredient amounts by two. Adjust the baking time as needed, keeping a close eye on the cookies to prevent overbaking.
Q: Why didn’t my Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out like yours?
A: There are a few common issues that can affect the outcome of these cookies:
- Overmixing the dough can cause them to spread too much
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter (natural vs. commercial) can impact the texture
- Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies
- Not pressing the Hershey’s Kisses in quickly enough can prevent the chocolate from melting properly
Refer to the troubleshooting guide above for tips on how to avoid these problems. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 36
Description
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic holiday cookie that are easy to make and utterly delicious. Soft peanut butter cookies are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a sweet, rich, and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the peanut butter, egg, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
4. – Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. – Scoop dough by the tablespoonful and roll into balls. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. – Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden on the edges. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
7. – Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use creamy peanut butter. You can also try using different varieties of Hershey’s Kisses, like Peanut Butter Cups or Caramel Filled. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
There you have it – the ultimate guide to making perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms! This recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen, and I know it’ll become a staple in yours too.
What makes this recipe special:
- Foolproof techniques that work every time
- Flexible ingredients that adapt to your preferences
- Professional results with home kitchen equipment
Give this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe a try this week, and don’t forget to share your results! I’d love to see your creations – tag me on social media or leave a comment below with your variations and tips.
Your turn: What’s your favorite way to enjoy Peanut Butter Blossoms? Share your family traditions or creative twists in the comments!
