Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, with their iconic chocolate kiss in the center, are a beloved treat that combine the creamy texture of peanut butter with the rich sweetness of chocolate. Perfect for holiday baking, bake sales, or just a sweet treat for the family, these cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make. Let's dive into making these delightful Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies at home.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- 1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
📘 Note: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.
Instructions for Making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or use non-stick spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir until just blended.
- Shape the Cookies: Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll them in additional sugar if desired. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffed and have a light golden-brown edge.
- Press in the Kisses: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The chocolate will melt slightly, creating the signature look.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smooth and well-blended cookie dough.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh peanut butter and avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it can affect cookie consistency.
- Chocolate Kisses Varieties: Experiment with different flavors of Kisses like dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even almond.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out, as they will continue to cook on the pan.
By following these simple steps, you'll have a batch of delicious, homemade Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies that are sure to delight anyone who tries them. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie and the sweet, chocolate surprise in the center makes this dessert a perennial favorite. It's a great recipe for bakers of all levels to master and enjoy sharing.
Remember, baking is as much about enjoyment as it is about the end product. Take time to appreciate the process, the aroma filling your kitchen, and the joy of eating cookies that are made with love.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
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Yes, you can shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What can I use if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
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You can use chocolate chips, chunks, or even a small piece of any chocolate bar. Just press it into the cookie right after it comes out of the oven, while the cookie is still hot.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much when pressing it into the cookie?
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Allow the cookies to cool for a minute or so before pressing in the chocolate. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you might consider cooling the cookies on a rack for a bit longer to reduce heat transfer.
Can I double the recipe?
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Yes, this recipe scales up well. Just make sure to not overcrowd your baking sheets when baking, and if necessary, bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
