Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic cookie that many people love. These tasty treats bring together the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. The cookie is soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced with the chocolate kiss on top. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s perfect for any occasion, this recipe is just what you need!
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about making Peanut Butter Blossoms. You will learn why they are so loved, how to prepare them step by step, and extra tips to make your cookie-making experience even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Peanut Butter Blossoms. First, they are simple to make and require basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Second, they taste amazing. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is hard to resist!
These cookies are also great for sharing. Whether you are baking for a party, a holiday, or just for yourself, everyone will enjoy these delicious treats. They bring back fond memories for many people and are often associated with home baking and special moments.
How to Prepare Peanut Butter Blossoms
Preparing Peanut Butter Blossoms is easy and fun! You don’t need to be an expert baker to make these cookies. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delightful batch of cookies ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 48 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as you want your cookies to bake evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature salted butter and creamy peanut butter. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This can be done with a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
Add Sugars and Vanilla: Next, add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix these together until they are well combined.
Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making your cookies light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Stop mixing once everything is well combined. Do not overmix!
Form the Cookie Dough: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Roll in Sugar: Roll each ball in granulated sugar until it’s completely coated. This gives the cookies a nice sweetness and texture.
Bake the Cookies: Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Add Chocolate Kisses: After removing the cookies from the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will melt the kiss slightly.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms
Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for any occasion! You can serve them as an after-school snack, pack them in lunchboxes, or offer them at parties and gatherings.
For a delightful presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and add a few extra chocolate kisses around them. You can also pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for a delicious treat.
How to Store Peanut Butter Blossoms
Storing Peanut Butter Blossoms is straightforward. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
Preparation Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and more tender cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They are done when the edges are golden brown but the center looks slightly soft. They will set as they cool.
Even Size: Try to make all cookie dough balls similar in size for even baking. A cookie scoop can help achieve consistent size.
Use Fresh Chocolate Kisses: Make sure to use fresh chocolate kisses for the best flavor.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations on the classic Peanut Butter Blossom recipe:
Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms: Instead of chocolate kisses, use miniature peanut butter cups for a double dose of peanut butter.
Nut-Free Version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower butter for a nut-free option. This works well for those with nut allergies and still keeps the cookies rich in flavor.
Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips into the cookie dough for an extra chocolatey cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a little extra texture in your cookies. Just keep in mind that it will change the consistency slightly, but many people enjoy the added crunch!
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before forming the cookies and baking.
Enjoy making and sharing these delightful Peanut Butter Blossoms. They are sure to bring smiles and joy to everyone who tries them! Happy baking!
