Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe (with Video)

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe: Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie that never fails to impress. They have a soft peanut butter base with a chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss in the center. The contrast of flavors and textures makes them irresistible.

Whether you are baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is foolproof and delicious.

Ingredients Needed

To make a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Coating & Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 24 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Substitutions & Variations:

• Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy for extra texture.
• Use dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate.
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Try almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.

Equipment Required

• Large mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 2: Rolling and Shaping the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
3. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar, coating it evenly.
4. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Baking the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
2. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is normal.
3. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Adding the Hershey’s Kisses

1. If the Hershey’s Kisses start melting, place the cookies in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up the chocolate.
2. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Use room temperature butter – This ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
• Chill the dough – Prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
• Don’t overbake – The cookies should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven, as they continue cooking on the baking sheet.
• Press the Hershey’s Kiss gently – Too much pressure can cause the cookie to flatten too much.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Cookies are too dry – Overbaking or too much flour can lead to dryness. Measure carefully!
• Cookies spread too much – This can happen if the dough is too warm. Always chill before baking.
• Chocolate melts too fast – If your kitchen is warm, place the cookies in the fridge after adding the kisses.

Variations of Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms – Use cocoa powder in the dough for a double chocolate version.
• Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms – Swap the Hershey’s Kiss for a mini peanut butter cup.
• Vegan Version – Use plant-based butter, an egg substitute, and dairy-free chocolate.

Storage and Shelf Life

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• In the Refrigerator: Keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking or store baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa.
• Arrange them on a holiday cookie platter with other festive treats.
• Pack them in a decorative tin for a homemade gift.

FAQs about Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

1. What are peanut butter blossoms?

Peanut butter blossoms are delightful cookies that feature a soft, chewy peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss. They are a popular treat during the holidays but loved all year round.

2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To keep your peanut butter blossoms from spreading too much, make sure your dough is chilled before baking. This helps control the spread. Also, ensure that you’re using the correct amount of flour — too little can cause the cookies to spread excessively.

3. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in peanut butter blossoms. However, be aware that natural peanut butter can sometimes make the dough a bit more oily or dry, depending on the brand. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right consistency.

4. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Peanut butter blossoms will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.

5. Can peanut butter blossoms be frozen?

Absolutely! Peanut butter blossoms freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to three months.

6. What can I use instead of chocolate kisses?

If you don’t have chocolate kisses on hand, you can use any similar-sized piece of chocolate. Chocolate chunks, chocolate discs, or even a small dollop of chocolate spread are great alternatives.

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that combines peanut butter and chocolate in the best way possible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this simple recipe will give you perfect cookies every time.