Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate Christmas cookies, bringing warmth and joy to every holiday gathering. These delightful treats feature a soft, chewy peanut butter base topped with a luscious chocolate kiss, making them a beloved classic. With their inviting aroma and the perfect balance of flavors, they are sure to delight your family and friends this festive season.
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Peanut Butter Blossoms
Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Are a Holiday Favorite
Every bite of Peanut Butter Blossoms embodies the spirit of Christmas, combining nostalgia with a burst of flavor. Their unforgettable taste and charming appearance make them a must-have on any cookie platter.
The Perfect Balance of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
The creamy richness of peanut butter paired with the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kisses creates a harmonious taste that leaves everyone wanting more. Each cookie is a delightful surprise, perfect for cookie exchanges or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Essential Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 30 to 36 Hershey’s Kisses
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Optional Variations and Substitutes
For a fun twist, consider using colored sugar for rolling or substituting different flavored Hershey’s Kisses. You can even experiment with chunky peanut butter for added texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Peanut Butter Blossoms
Preparing the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside. In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Then, mix in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
Chilling the Dough
Add the egg and mix on high speed until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk until everything is combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Cover the dough and chill for 1 hour. If you chill the dough longer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper. Place the remaining granulated sugar in a bowl. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and coat it in sugar before placing it on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops crack but do not brown. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes.
Adding the Hershey’s Kisses
Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie and let them sit for another 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This will create the iconic look and delicious chocolatey center that everyone loves!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms
Chilling Tips for Thicker Cookies
Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing excessive spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies are thick and delightful. If you prefer thicker cookies, remember to chill the dough properly!
Storing and Freezing Cookies
To keep your baked cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 48 hours or freeze the baked cookies for a sweet treat anytime.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Garlic Butter Beef Bites
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Baked Zucchini
- Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
FAQs
How long will peanut butter blossoms stay fresh?
Peanut Butter Blossoms will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Why did my peanut butter blossoms go flat?
Flat cookies can result from not chilling the dough or using too much butter. Make sure to chill the dough to maintain thickness.
What temperature do you cook peanut butter blossoms?
Bake peanut butter blossoms at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Can peanut butter blossoms be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze baked peanut butter blossoms or the dough itself for easy preparation later.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations, and their easy preparation makes them a favorite among bakers of all levels. For more inspiration, check out these delicious recipes on Pinterest. Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Easy Christmas Cookies to Cherish
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cups unsalted butter room temperature
- ⅔ cup cups creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 30 to 36 Hershey’s Kisses
- ½ cup cups granulated sugar for rolling cookies
Instructions
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Mix in brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg and mix on high speed until fully incorporated.
- Stir in vanilla extract and milk until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low until just combined.
- Cover the dough and chill for 1 hour, letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes if chilled longer.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and coat in sugar before placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tops crack but do not brown, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie and let sit for another 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.