Peanut butter blossoms are a beloved, timeless cookie that blends the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. This classic cookie is a staple during holidays but can be enjoyed year-round for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a party, a special family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to please both children and adults alike. Keep reading for a detailed recipe, including tips, substitutions, and common mistakes to avoid. This step-by-step guide will ensure that your peanut butter blossoms turn out perfectly every time. Let's dive into this scrumptious recipe!
What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft and chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate in the center. After baking, the chocolate kiss is placed onto the warm cookies, giving them their signature look. The contrast between the salty peanut butter base and the sweet chocolate kiss makes these cookies an irresistible treat. They are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a favorite during the holiday cookie exchange.
Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms
To make a classic batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms, gather the following ingredients. These are pantry staples for many bakers, so you might already have most of these at home!
- ½ cup butter (softened) – You can use unsalted butter or salted butter; if you use salted, reduce the salt in the recipe.
- ½ cup peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter is typically used for a smoother texture, but crunchy peanut butter can add a bit more texture if desired.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deeper flavor compared to white sugar.
- 1 large egg – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- About 30 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) – The crowning glory of each cookie.
Ingredients List for Additional Variations (Optional)
If you're feeling adventurous or want to put your unique twist on this classic recipe, here are some additional ingredients you might want to consider:
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – For a double chocolate twist.
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips – To add bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie itself.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Swap this for vanilla to add a slightly different flavor profile.
- Colored sugar or sprinkles – Roll the dough balls in these before baking to make them extra festive.
- Nut butter alternatives – You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter as a substitution for peanut butter.
Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes you might need to substitute ingredients or want to try a fun variation. Here are some ideas to suit dietary preferences or just for creativity in the kitchen:
- Peanut Butter Substitutes: If you're allergic to peanuts or simply want to try something new, you can replace the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative (like Earth Balance) and ensure your chocolate kisses or alternatives are dairy-free as well.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain the texture of the cookie.
- Low-Sugar or Sugar-Free Option: Substitute regular sugar and brown sugar with sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweeteners.
- Chocolate Substitutions: Instead of Hershey's Kisses, you can use chocolate stars, chocolate coins, or even a piece of your favorite chocolate bar.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the best Peanut Butter Blossoms:

- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming these ingredients together properly ensures a soft, chewy cookie.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter mixture is smooth, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined. The egg will help bind the ingredients and give structure to the cookies.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to distribute the baking soda evenly, ensuring a good rise on each cookie.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. If desired, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. The sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the cookies.
- Bake: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Add the Hershey’s Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly as you press, giving them their classic "blossom" appearance.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the chocolate to set without melting entirely.
How to Cook Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep Ingredients and Equipment: Before you begin, measure all your ingredients and ensure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step is crucial for staying organized and ensuring everything comes together smoothly.
- Mix the Dough: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Incorporate dry ingredients, being mindful of not overmixing.
- Shape and Coat: Roll the dough into uniform balls and coat in sugar for an added crunch and shimmer.
- Bake and Decorate: The magic happens when you press that chocolate kiss into the warm cookie! Do this quickly after removing them from the oven for the best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Creaming the Butter and Sugars Long Enough: This step is key for achieving the right texture. Make sure the mixture is light and fluffy before adding the egg.
- Overbaking the Cookies: Peanut Butter Blossoms should be soft and chewy. Baking them too long will result in hard, crumbly cookies.
- Placing the Chocolate Too Early or Late: Press the chocolate kiss into the cookie immediately after removing it from the oven. If you wait too long, the cookies will be too cool, and the kiss won’t adhere.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Peanut Butter Blossoms look as good as they taste, so why not take the presentation up a notch?
- How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms: Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa for a classic combination. They are also perfect for cookie platters or holiday dessert spreads.
- Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms: Arrange the cookies in a circle on a festive platter, or box them up in decorative tins as gifts. You can also wrap them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a cute and practical treat.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips
- For Extra Chewy Cookies: Add an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of honey to the dough.
- Make Ahead Tip: The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to let it soften slightly before shaping into balls.
- Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms? A: Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Absolutely. The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours or frozen for a longer period.
Q: What can I substitute for Hershey’s Kisses? A: You can use any chocolate candy, such as mini peanut butter cups, Rolos, or even chocolate chunks.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh? A: They will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion:
Peanut Butter Blossoms are an easy yet impressive cookie that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you're baking for the holidays or a casual treat, this recipe will yield soft, chewy cookies with a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. With a few tips and tricks, you can master these cookies and create variations that suit your taste. Now that you have all the knowledge, it's time to get baking! Enjoy these delightful treats with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
PrintClassic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are the perfect holiday cookie recipe, featuring soft peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey's Kiss. This easy-to-make dessert is a favorite for peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Hershey's Kisses chocolates, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until incorporated.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll in additional granulated sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For softer cookies, do not overbake.
- You can switch out the chocolate for other types of candies if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
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