These cookies bring back memories of my own childhood when my mom would make them for our weekend family gatherings. The smell of fresh peanut butter cookies filling the house is something I cherish deeply. It’s the kind of comfort that makes any house feel like home, and I want my grandkids to experience that too. Plus, these cookies are super easy to make, which is a big thumbs-up in my book. If you’re looking to bake something special that everyone will love, this recipe is it!
What I love most about these Peanut Butter Blossoms is how versatile they are. You can bake them for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a random Tuesday afternoon! They’re perfect for munching on while sharing stories at the kitchen table. And don’t get me started on how great they are with a glass of milk. Seriously, they disappear in no time! So, gather your kids, or even just treat yourself, and let’s get started with this easy-peasy recipe that will fill your home with love and laughter.
How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Start by preparing your dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then set this mixture aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is combined into a dough.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or longer if you have the time!
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets, leaving enough space between them (about 1.5 to 2 inches).
- Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, then take them out and gently press a Hershey Kiss onto each cookie. Return them to the oven for an additional 2 minutes of baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storing Suggestion
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh and soft for days, store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread into the container can help maintain that delightful chewy texture for up to a week.
Cooking Tips
If you want to switch things up, consider using crunchy peanut butter for an extra texture. You could also add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a fun flavor twist. Make sure not to over-bake them; they should be slightly soft when you take them out for that perfect chewy center!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cold glass of milk. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. For a touch of elegance, dust a little powdered sugar on top before serving!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to swap ingredients, natural peanut butter works well in place of creamy peanut butter, although it may alter the consistency slightly. For a dairy-free option, replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Seasonal Variations
As the seasons change, you can adapt this recipe with seasonal flavors. In the fall, try adding pumpkin pie spice to the dough. During the holidays, consider incorporating crushed peppermint candies along with the Hershey Kisses for a festive touch!
Allergen Information
This recipe contains common allergens such as peanuts and gluten. If you’re cooking for someone with nut allergies, consider substituting sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. Ensure to use gluten-free flour if you need to avoid gluten.
FAQ
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for a bit longer. Sometimes, just an extra 30 minutes in the refrigerator can make a world of difference. You can also lightly dust your hands with flour while rolling the dough into balls to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done baking when they look slightly puffed and the edges begin to crack. When you press down the Hershey Kiss, it should leave an imprint and the surrounding cookie should look set. Remember, there will be a little carryover cooking once they’re out of the oven!
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these cookies! To do this, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. They should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
What if I don’t have Hershey Kisses?
If there’s no Hershey Kisses on hand, don’t fret! You can use any chocolate candy for the topping, like Rolos or chocolate chips. Just ensure they melt slightly before pressing them into the warm cookies for a delicious alternative.
How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
Make your Peanut Butter Blossoms more festive by topping them with colored sprinkles or holiday-themed decorations after placing the Hershey Kiss. You can also swap the standard kisses for peppermint or caramel-filled ones to give them a seasonal twist!
How long do these cookies last in storage?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Peanut Butter Blossoms can last about a week at room temperature. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last even longer. Just make sure you let them come back to room temperature before serving again!
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar lightly packed
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar for rolling
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
- With a mixer, blend together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl as needed to keep everything well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until everything is blended together perfectly.
- Chill the cookie dough in a container or wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- After chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls, roll them in granulated sugar, and place them on the baking sheets spaced about 1.5 to 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes, then carefully press a Hershey Kiss on top of each cookie, pushing gently to create those lovely crackly edges.
- Bake for an additional 2 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for up to a week.
