Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a delightful chocolatey surprise in the center. These soft and chewy cookies are topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday sweet craving, these cookies are a timeless favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate never fails to impress.
• Customizable: You can swap the Hershey’s Kisses for other toppings or fillings for a personalized touch.
• Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze well, allowing you to make them ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Peanut butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Hershey’s Kisses

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll them in granulated sugar for a sweet coating.
7. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Different Chocolate: Substitute Hershey’s Kisses with mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or dark chocolate squares.
• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter as a peanut butter alternative for a nut-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle the cookies with a pinch of sea salt or colored sugar for a festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer them slightly warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

2. What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Avoid natural peanut butter as it may affect the consistency of the dough.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.

5. Can I use other types of sugar for coating?

Yes, you can roll the dough in brown sugar or colored sanding sugar for a different look and flavor.

6. Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?

Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate.

8. How do I store leftover Hershey’s Kisses?

Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

9. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

You can substitute it with an equal amount of almond extract for a slightly different flavor.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat that perfectly balances the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With easy customization options and simple storage methods, they’re a must-try for any cookie lover. Grab your ingredients and get baking today!

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