What are Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful combination of chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a Hershey's Kiss chocolate. They're known for their distinctive look with the chocolate "blossom" in the center, making them a favorite for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. These cookies are easy to make, have a nostalgic charm, and are beloved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms
To start your journey to perfect peanut butter blossoms, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, as per your preference)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
- 48 Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
⚠️ Note: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as it can affect the texture of your cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by:
- Beating together the softened butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
- Adding both sugars (granulated and brown) to the mixture, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mixing in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporating the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt), mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Now that your dough is ready:
- Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 inch in size, and roll them into balls between your palms.
- Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat evenly. This gives the cookies their characteristic "sparkle".
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is key for ensuring the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then:
- Place the cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are just beginning to turn golden around the edges.
Be careful not to overbake, as peanut butter cookies are known to seem slightly underdone when taken out of the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kiss
Here comes the fun part:
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will help melt the chocolate slightly, securing it in place.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool completely before serving. This step ensures the chocolate hardens slightly and the cookie achieves the perfect texture:
- The center stays chewy with a soft texture from the peanut butter and sugar.
- The edges become crisp, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Your Peanut Butter Blossoms are now ready to be enjoyed or stored in an airtight container for later indulgence.
👩🍳 Note: If you're not serving the cookies immediately, consider storing them at room temperature or even in the fridge to keep the Hershey's Kisses from melting, especially during warmer months.
In the end, this recipe offers a delightful taste of nostalgia with a modern twist, providing a perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and chewy, making Peanut Butter Blossoms a favorite at any gathering or just for a sweet treat at home. The simplicity of these cookies, combined with their beautiful presentation, makes them a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Can I use other chocolates instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
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Yes, while Hershey’s Kisses are traditional, you can use any small chocolate or candy that holds its shape well when pressed into a warm cookie. Experiment with different flavors or even dark chocolate for a twist.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
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Consider using natural peanut butter with no added oils or sugars, substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour, and reduce the sugar by about 1⁄4 for a healthier cookie. You can also top with dark chocolate for more antioxidants.
Why did my cookies spread too much when baking?
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This could be due to several reasons: using melted butter, not chilling the dough, or too warm an oven. Make sure your butter is softened, chill the dough, and check your oven temperature for better results.
