Peanut Butter Blossoms
If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate, then this easy Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is calling your name. With crispy edges, a soft, chewy center, and a classic chocolate kiss right on top, these cookies are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for holidays, parties, or an everyday snack, this recipe brings simple ingredients together to create a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that combine to create incredible flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute treats.
- Perfect Texture: Delightfully crispy around the edges with a soft, chewy middle.
- Classic Flavor Combo: The ideal marriage of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate.
- Kid-Friendly: Great for baking with children or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect cookie texture and flavor. From the creamy peanut butter to the sugar coating for that subtle crunch, these essentials are easy to find and come together effortlessly.
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy for the best smooth texture and classic taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crispy edges.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Butter: Brings richness and tenderizes the cookie.
- Egg: Binds ingredients and helps give structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- Baking Soda: Leavens the dough for a soft center and slightly crisp exterior.
- Flour: The base of the dough creating structure and chewiness.
- Chocolate Kisses: The iconic chocolate centerpiece to top each cookie.
- Extra Sugar for Rolling: Coats each dough ball, giving a slight crunch and sparkle.
Variations for Peanut Butter Blossoms
This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Whether dietary preferences or creative twists inspire you, it’s easy to make this classic cookie your own by trying some simple variations below.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter to accommodate allergies while keeping a similar texture.
- Crunchy Style: Use chunky peanut butter for added texture and nutty bites.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and egg with flaxseed meal for a plant-based version.
- Spiced Up: Add cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle warmth and depth.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt extra chocolate to drizzle over the finished cookies for an extra chocolate kick.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Finally, add the flour and baking soda, stirring just until the dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes it easier to roll and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step 4: Roll and Coat
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball thoroughly in granulated sugar. This adds a sweet crunch and eye-catching sparkle to your cookies.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the baking sheets with some space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Kisses
Immediately after removing cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, giving a perfect, soft center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps avoid breakage and ensures the chocolate sets perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: They combine more easily and create a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just set to keep the centers chewy.
- Press Kisses Right Away: Add the chocolate while the cookies are hot for a soft, slightly melted effect.
- Roll Evenly: Uniform-sized balls bake consistently and create evenly shaped cookies.
- Try Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and creates a nice browned bottom without burning.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the chocolate kisses after pressing them in, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies to add contrast and elegance.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Blossoms pair wonderfully with cold milk, hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies in a festive tin lined with colorful tissue paper for gifting, or stack them in layers separated by parchment to create a beautiful cookie platter perfect for parties and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the cookies soft and flavorful.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and melted chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes, but natural peanut butter may make the dough a bit softer, so you might need to chill it longer or add a little extra flour for stability.
What if I don’t have chocolate kisses? Can I substitute something else?
Absolutely! You can use mini chocolate chips, chunks, or even squares of your favorite chocolate bars to place on top after baking.
Are Peanut Butter Blossoms gluten-free?
Not in this traditional recipe. However, you can substitute regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make them safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Using chilled dough and avoiding over-baking are key. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as old leavening agents can affect the texture.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping butter for a plant-based alternative and confirming your chocolate is dairy-free, you can enjoy dairy-free Peanut Butter Blossoms.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the comforting nostalgia and delightful taste of Peanut Butter Blossoms, especially when baked with love and simple ingredients. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve made them before, this easy recipe is a sure way to bring smiles and sweet moments to your home. So grab your mixing bowl and chocolate kisses, and let these classic treats brighten your day!
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PrintPeanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic cookies featuring a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. With crispy edges, a soft chewy center, and a signature chocolate kiss on top, these quick and easy cookies are a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free or Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 36 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the flour and baking soda last, stirring just until the dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. This makes rolling easier and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Roll and Coat: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Thoroughly coat each ball in granulated sugar to add a sweet crunch and a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with space between each. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate for a soft, delicious center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies set properly without breaking.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even texture.
- Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges are just set to keep centers chewy.
- Press chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after baking for a melty center.
- Roll cookie dough balls evenly for consistent size and appearance.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and achieve nicely browned bottoms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: peanut butter cookies, peanut butter blossoms, chocolate kiss cookies, holiday cookies, easy cookie recipe, classic cookies
