Peanut Butter Blossoms

It’s not even Christmas without Peanut Butter Blossoms, right? These delightful cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family nights. With their rich peanut butter flavor and soft texture, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, the best part? There’s no need to chill the dough, making them quick and easy to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No chilling time required means you can enjoy these cookies in no time.
• Deliciously Soft: The combination of peanut butter and sugar creates a wonderfully soft cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to roll the dough and add the chocolate kisses on top!
• Freezer Friendly: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easier, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking, contributing to uniform cooking.
• Cookie scoop: Helps in portioning dough consistently for equally-sized cookies.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms:

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup peanut butter (not natural pb)
• 1 large egg
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

For the Dry Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For Rolling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Topping

• 40 Hershey’s Kisses (about half an 11-ounce package)

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1: Prepare the Kisses

Start out by tossing your bag of Hershey’s Kisses in the freezer. If they are chilled when you press them into the cookies, they won’t fall off when baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter until it is smooth. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar. Beat until fluffy.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter

Add 1 cup of peanut butter to the mixture. Beat well until fully combined.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Incorporate 1 large egg and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla into the mixture. Mix until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour on top of the mixture but don’t stir yet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt over the flour. Use a teaspoon to combine slightly before mixing.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Turn on your mixer to combine everything into a dough. Avoid overmixing; stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks left.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Pour about 1/2 cup granulated sugar into a bowl for rolling.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each ball in sugar to coat before placing them on your baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 8–10 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain slightly matte.

Step 10: Add Kisses

Once cookies are out of the oven, immediately press one frozen Hershey’s Kiss onto each cookie. Let them cool on the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Now you can enjoy your lovely batch of warm Peanut Butter Blossoms! They pair perfectly with a glass of milk for an irresistible treat!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served in fun and creative manners.

Classic Presentation

• On a Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for an appealing presentation.
• With Milk: Serve them alongside a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate pairing.

Dessert Buffet

• Cookie Bar: Include Peanut Butter Blossoms as part of a dessert buffet where guests can mix and match with their favorite sweets.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in clear boxes tied with ribbons to create homemade gifts for friends and family.

Themed Parties

• Holiday Treats: Decorate the cookie platters with seasonal decor if serving during holidays.
• Birthday Party: Incorporate them into a birthday cake display as fun treats for guests.

How to Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

Achieving perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out amazing every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix only until the dough comes together; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill Your Dough Slightly: Even though chilling isn’t necessary, letting it rest for 15 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be set but still soft in the center when done.
• Press Kisses Immediately: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies right after they come out of the oven for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Blossoms can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent suggestions that complement their rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast when served alongside warm cookies.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and mirror the chocolate kiss flavor profile.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy, salty trail mix provides a great textural contrast to the soft cookies.
5. Coffee or Tea: Pairing these treats with coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors wonderfully.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy yet delicious side option that complements sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peanut Butter Blossoms can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the Sugar Coating: Not rolling the cookie dough balls in sugar before baking can result in less sweet and visually appealing cookies. Always coat your dough balls generously for that delightful sweetness and texture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined and stop as soon as you no longer see flour streaks. This ensures soft, chewy treats.

• Ignoring Chilling Times: While chilling is optional, skipping it entirely can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. If you have time, chill the dough for at least 15 minutes for better shape retention.

• Baking at Too High a Temperature: Baking at temperatures higher than 350°F can cause the edges to burn while leaving the center undercooked. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

• Not Using Frozen Kisses: Unchilled chocolate kisses may melt too quickly and lose their shape when pressed into warm cookies. Freeze them beforehand for perfect placement.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to one week in the fridge.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm. This helps retain their soft texture.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften them but may not maintain crispiness.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies in for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Cover with a lid for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making Peanut Butter Blossoms? Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Peanut Butter Blossoms gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I store leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I customize my Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture variations.

Are there any vegan options for Peanut Butter Blossoms?

To make vegan versions, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, try chilling it briefly or adding a little more flour until it’s manageable.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that everyone loves! Their soft texture combined with the rich chocolate kiss makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Try this recipe today; you won’t be disappointed!