Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Holiday Cookie Tradition

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the timeless tradition of baking cookies. Among the countless varieties that grace our kitchens, peanut butter blossoms stand out as a beloved classic. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re an experience. Soft, thick, and delightfully peanut buttery, they’re an irresistible treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate, resulting in a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. If you’re looking to bake something that captures the essence of the season—both in taste and in heart—peanut butter blossoms are the perfect choice. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, making it ideal for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying a cozy moment with a warm beverage.

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The charm of these cookies lies in their simplicity, but there’s a little extra magic in the process that makes them stand out. A soft, creamy peanut butter dough is formed into little balls, rolled in sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating, and then baked to perfection. The highlight, however, is the signature chocolate kiss pressed gently into the center of each cookie. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless flavor duo, and the smoothness of the chocolate kiss perfectly complements the soft, rich cookie base.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making these peanut butter blossoms, from the essential ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, offering tips and variations along the way to help you create the perfect batch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to bring joy and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms

To make these delicious peanut butter blossoms, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and presentation.

• 1 and 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): The base of the cookie dough, all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure to support the rich peanut butter and sugar.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and gives them their chewy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the peanut butter and chocolate while balancing the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Butter contributes to the cookies’ rich, smooth texture and helps create the perfect chewy consistency.
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, complementing the peanut butter and giving the cookies a slight caramel taste.
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps form the cookie’s crisp exterior.
• 1 large egg, at room temperature: Eggs bind the ingredients together and help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• 3/4 cup (about 185g) creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor and richness. Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth dough and soft cookie texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookie dough.
• 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped: These chocolate candies are the hallmark of peanut butter blossoms, adding a burst of sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal to the cookies.
• Coating:
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • OR: 1/4 cup (50g) green sanding sugar and 1/4 cup (50g) red sanding sugar: Sanding sugar adds a festive, sparkly touch to the cookies, perfect for the holiday season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: Begin by whisking the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium-sized bowl. This helps ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any pockets of baking soda in your dough. Set the dry ingredients aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which helps create a soft texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla: Next, add the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat everything together until fully combined. The peanut butter should be smooth and creamy, giving the dough a rich texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any ingredients that may have stuck to the sides.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until combined. The dough will be creamy and slightly soft. At this point, you may need to use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and mix any remaining flour into the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days. Chilling the dough is important because it firms it up, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures that your cookies don’t stick to the baking sheets and that they bake evenly.
7. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, scoop about 1 heaping tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar or sanding sugar (for a festive touch) to coat it lightly. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 3 inches apart.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies begin to slightly crack. The edges should look set, but the centers should still appear soft. If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, bake them for the full 13 minutes.
9. Add the Chocolate Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to press too hard, as the cookies will be soft. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere to the cookie.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. To quickly set the chocolate and prevent it from melting too much, place the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate has set and the cookies have cooled completely, they’re ready to serve! These peanut butter blossoms are perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or hot cocoa.

Tips and Variations

• Freezing Dough: If you want to bake these cookies at a later time, you can freeze the cookie dough balls (without the chocolate kisses) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an additional minute or two, no need to thaw them.
• Substituting Peanut Butter: For a different twist, you can substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter. However, note that this may change the texture slightly, and the cookies may be a bit crumblier.
• Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, try replacing the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar spread. Alternatively, you could make these into sparkle sweetheart cookies by using Hershey’s Kisses with a different theme, like Valentine’s Day or even Easter.
• Additional Toppings: For a festive touch, consider rolling the cookie dough balls in red or green sanding sugar instead of regular granulated sugar. You can also drizzle the baked cookies with melted white chocolate for added flair.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut butter blossoms are perfect for any occasion, but they truly shine during the holiday season. Serve them as part of a cookie exchange, gift them to friends and family, or simply enjoy them with a glass of milk. Their peanut butter and chocolate combination is a crowd-pleaser, so they’ll be a hit at any party or gathering. They also store well, so you can enjoy them for several days, making them a great treat to have on hand for any spontaneous get-togethers or cozy evenings at home.

Why Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Are A Must Try

Classic peanut butter blossoms are more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of simple pleasures and timeless flavors. The rich peanut butter, the softness of the cookie, and the burst of chocolate make each bite a moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies are sure to make your kitchen smell amazing and your taste buds dance with delight. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the fun and satisfaction of baking these classic peanut butter blossoms.