Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
The irresistible allure of Peanut Butter Blossoms is something any cookie lover instantly recognizes: a perfectly tender peanut butter cookie crowned with a melty Hershey’s Kiss at its center. This iconic treat is the star of countless holiday trays and after-school snacks, loved for its cheery appearance and dreamy combination of flavors. Every bite offers that special mix of salty, sweet, soft, and chocolatey, making Peanut Butter Blossoms a treat you’ll find yourself baking—and sharing—again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Peanut Butter Blossoms come together effortlessly with a handful of classic baking ingredients. Each one plays its part, from building the cookie’s wonderfully rich, nutty base to providing that signature chocolate finish right on top.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives the cookies their luscious, tender crumb and melts seamlessly into the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons for rolling): Adds a crisp sweetness and just the right touch of sparkle on the outside.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings hints of caramel molasses flavor and extra chewiness.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star! Provides nutty richness; you can try crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together, giving structure to each cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a warm, aromatic boost that rounds out the flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Creates the sturdy yet soft cookie base.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and crackle beautifully on top.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds another layer of lift for that perfect puff.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
- Hershey’s Kisses (36 unwrapped): The signature chocolate crowning glory—press one into each cookie while they’re still warm!
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready once the dough is done. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this quick step ensures the cookies won’t stick, making for easy removal and minimal cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creates a sweet, nutty base with just the right texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. The egg brings everything together while the vanilla gently perfumes the dough for deeper, warmer flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even leavening and distribution of dry ingredients so every Peanut Butter Blossom rises and cracks the same beautiful way.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring just until blended. Be careful not to overmix—the less you stir, the softer the cookies will be!
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Dough
Scoop and shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the extra 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar so the exterior bakes up sweet and sparkling. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to prevent sticking together as they puff up.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the trays into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be puffed and just slightly golden at the edges. Keep a close watch—don’t let them overbake, or you’ll miss out on that signature softness.
Step 8: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
While your Peanut Butter Blossoms are still hot from the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. The warm cookie will crack charmingly at the edges, and the chocolate will gently melt into its new home.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up, then transfer each cookie to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the hard part—waiting until they’re cool enough to eat!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a beautiful snowy look, especially if you’re adding Peanut Butter Blossoms to a holiday platter. For a playful twist, drizzle with melted chocolate or a light swirl of caramel; both pair wonderfully with the peanut-chocolate combo.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, or set them alongside a mug of hot cocoa or coffee for dipping. If you’re preparing a dessert spread, include crisp apple slices or bowls of fresh berries to bring a little brightness to your cookie tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Get festive by arranging Peanut Butter Blossoms in concentric circles on a large platter or gift them in a decorative tin lined with colorful tissue paper. Stack several in clear bags tied with pretty ribbons for a sweet homemade present, or mix and match with other holiday cookies for party trays or cookie swaps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Blossoms keep their signature softness when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them with parchment between tiers if you’re stacking, and they’ll stay delicious for up to five days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Both the dough balls (before baking) and the finished, cooled cookies freeze beautifully. Flash freeze dough balls on a tray, transfer to a freezer bag, and bake fresh as needed. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container—just bring to room temp before serving.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm and gooey, pop a Peanut Butter Blossom in the microwave for just 5-7 seconds. The chocolate gets soft and melty—like they just came out of the oven! Avoid microwaving for too long to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy?
Natural peanut butter can work, but it’s often oilier and less stable, which may affect the cookies’ texture and structure. If you try it, make sure to thoroughly mix the peanut butter so it’s as creamy and uniform as possible.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
You can substitute chocolate chunks, mini peanut butter cups, or even a square of your favorite chocolate bar. The essence of Peanut Butter Blossoms is all about a decadent chocolate center, so have fun with it!
How can I make these gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend you use contains a binder like xanthan gum for the best results. The cookies may turn out slightly more delicate but still delicious.
Can I freeze the baked cookies with the chocolate kisses in place?
Yes, you can freeze fully assembled Peanut Butter Blossoms. Just be sure to cool them completely, layer with parchment paper, and use an airtight container. The chocolate might look slightly “bloomed” (faintly white) after freezing, but it will taste just as wonderful.
My cookies turned out too dry—what went wrong?
Overbaking is the most common culprit! Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and start checking for doneness at the earliest baking time. Also, measure your flour carefully and avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients go in.
Final Thoughts
Few treats are as universally loved or as easy to share as Peanut Butter Blossoms. Whether you’re baking a batch for a special holiday, a school event, or simply because you crave something cozy and chocolatey, these classic cookies are always a hit. Try them just once, and I guarantee they’ll earn a spot on your family’s favorites list for years to come!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic holiday cookies featuring a soft peanut butter base topped with a sweet chocolate Kiss in the center. These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on the baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Press a chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a crunchy texture, use crunchy peanut butter.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
