The scent of freshly baked peanut butter blossom cookies wafting through your home is like a warm embrace on a chilly day. As the holidays approach, I find joy in the little things, and nothing brings back those cherished memories quite like these classic cookies topped with Hershey’s Kisses. They represent more than just a sweet treat – they echo laughter, storytelling, and love shared during family gatherings.
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. With a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these soft, chewy delights that are guaranteed to please both the young and the young-at-heart. Whether you’re baking alongside your little ones or surprising a friend with a festive gift, these peanut butter blossom cookies are not just easy to make; they’re a beautiful reminder of the joy that homemade treats bring. Gather your ingredients and let’s create a holiday favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love peanut butter blossom cookies?
Nostalgic Delight: There’s something magical about classic flavors that bring memories to life.
Effortless Preparation: Whipping up these cookies is a breeze, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Irresistibly Chewy: Each cookie features a soft, chewy texture paired with a sweet, chocolate center that’s hard to resist.
Crowd Pleaser: Whether for a holiday party or a cozy family gathering, these cookies are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the chocolate or nuts for a unique twist—each variation is equally scrumptious!
Get ready to indulge in holiday cheer with these delightful treats, the perfect addition to your festive cookie platter!
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- All Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; ensure it’s sifted to avoid clumping.
- Baking Powder – Helps leaven the cookies; use fresh powder for proper rising.
- Baking Soda – Enhances browning and contributes to texture; do not substitute for baking powder.
- Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness; fine sea salt can be used as a substitute.
- Butter (softened) – Adds richness and moisture; can substitute with margarine, but flavor may differ.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and helps with cookie crispness; brown sugar can be partially substituted for a chewier texture.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; light or dark brown can be used, with dark adding more flavor.
- Large Egg – Binds ingredients together; a flax egg can be used for a vegan adaptation.
- Smooth Peanut Butter – Offers flavor and moisture; natural peanut butter may yield a crumblier texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; imitation vanilla can be used but will differ in taste.
For Coating
- Granulated Sugar or Sanding Sugar – Adds sweetness and texture to the outside; use sanding sugar for extra sparkle.
For Topping
- Hershey’s Kiss Chocolates – Adds chocolate richness on top; any chocolate candy can be used as a substitute.
As you gather these ingredients, you’ll feel the excitement of holiday baking—getting ready to create those beloved peanut butter blossom cookies!
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your peanut butter blossom cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this bowl aside—this mix will give your cookies a delightful lift!
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth. The mixture should be light and fluffy, setting the stage for deliciously tender cookies.
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Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the large egg, smooth peanut butter, and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined—this is where the magic begins!
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this will help maintain that soft, chewy texture.
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Form and Coat Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop, form the dough into balls and roll them in granulated sugar or sanding sugar to coat. This will add a lovely sweetness and crunch to the exterior.
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Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow them to spread while baking.
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Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. The tops may look a little underdone, but that’s perfect for achieving a soft center!
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Add Chocolate Kisses: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The warmth will melt the chocolate just enough to secure it in place.
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Cool: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. This helps them firm up and enhances the flavors—trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
Pair your warm, chocolate-topped cookies with these delightful options that create the perfect holiday experience.
- Cold Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cookies, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a cookie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. It’s a nostalgic and satisfying indulgence.
- Hot Cocoa: The warmth and richness of hot cocoa bring out the flavors in the cookies, making every bite a cozy escape from the winter chill.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh berries or sliced apples add a burst of freshness and balance the sweetness, providing a lighter option alongside your cookies.
- Chocolate Milkshake: For the ultimate sweet treat, pair the cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake that kids will adore!
- Christmas Punch: A festive, fruity punch brings holiday cheer and fruity flavors that complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate.
- Nut Mix: A small bowl of mixed nuts adds a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies and enhances the overall flavor experience.
These pairings will elevate your holiday gatherings, turning simple cookie moments into cherished memories. Enjoy!
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy.
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Fridge: If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate your cookies for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Be aware that refrigeration could slightly alter their texture.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are properly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their soft, chewy goodness!
Make Ahead Options
These peanut butter blossom cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply scoop the dough into balls and roll them in sugar, then store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just place the chilled dough balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven—no need to thaw! Additionally, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy delicious, fresh peanut butter blossom cookies anytime, even on the busiest days!
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Variations
Let your creativity blossom with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!
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Nut Butter Swap: Use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a new flavor profile. Each nut butter offers unique tastes and textures that are sure to impress.
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Chocolate Chip Uplift: Substitute Hershey’s Kisses with chocolate chips for a melty, gooey experience. This variation enhances the chocolate factor, making each bite even more indulgent!
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for an added crunch and depth of flavor. Mixing in some nuts creates delightful contrasts in texture.
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Sea Salt Finish: After baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This touch elevates the sweet and savory balance and creates a burst of flavor with every bite.
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Holiday Spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger into the cookie dough for a warm, spiced twist perfect for holiday celebrations. The aromatics in these spices will fill your kitchen with warmth.
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Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. This keeps all the goodness while accommodating dietary preferences.
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Dark Chocolate Treats: Swap out classic Kisses for dark chocolate or even white chocolate, bringing a deliciously different sweetness to this beloved cookie. The variations in chocolate keep our taste buds guessing!
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Double the Chocolate: For an extra chocolatey bite, fold in cocoa powder into the dough along with the dry ingredients. This transforms your cookies into rich chocolate peanut butter blossoms that are simply irresistible!
With these variations, you can create a delightful array of peanut butter blossom cookies that will keep your holiday gatherings exciting and delightful!
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!
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Warm Cookie Trick: Press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies while they are warm to ensure they stay in place and melt slightly for that gooey center.
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Sugar Coating: Roll the dough balls in granulated or sanding sugar to give your peanut butter blossom cookies a sweet, crunchy exterior.
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Storage Solutions: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature; freeze excess dough for up to 2 months for future treats.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right peanut butter for the recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using smooth peanut butter rather than natural varieties, as they can yield crumblier cookies. If you prefer a natural option, ensure it is well-stirred to combine the oils and is thick enough to hold its shape when baked.
How should I store my peanut butter blossom cookies?
I often store my cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerating for a week works well too. Just remember, refrigeration might slightly change their texture, making them a bit firmer.
Can I freeze peanut butter blossom cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze briefly, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to bring back their warmth and chewiness.
What if my cookie dough seems too dry?
Very! If your dough is crumbly and hard to work with, it may be due to overmeasuring the flour or not enough moisture. Add a bit of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. You want the dough to be soft but still hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you have allergies, be mindful of the ingredients. This recipe contains eggs and wheat. To adapt it for egg allergies, consider using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. If nut allergies are a concern, feel free to substitute with seed butter, like sunflower seed butter, for similar results.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
The more the merrier! To add a holiday twist, consider drizzling the tops with melted white chocolate or colorful sprinkles. Alternatively, you can mix in festive add-ins, such as crushed peppermint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra holiday flair!
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: Soft, Chewy Holiday Joy
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour Sifted to avoid clumping
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder Use fresh for proper rising
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Do not substitute for baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Fine sea salt can be substituted
- 1 cup Butter (softened) Can substitute with margarine
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Helps with cookie crispness
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark can be used
- 1 large Egg Can use a flax egg for vegan
- 1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter Natural may yield a crumblier texture
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Imitation will differ in taste
For Coating
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or Sanding Sugar Sanding sugar for extra sparkle
For Topping
- 24 pieces Hershey's Kiss Chocolates Any chocolate candy can be used as substitute
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg, smooth peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Form dough into balls and roll in granulated or sanding sugar to coat.
- Place coated balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden brown.
- Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.