There’s something magical about biting into a Classic Peanut Butter Blossom—the perfect harmony of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, these cookies are always a hit. With their signature Hershey’s Kiss nestled in the center, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Are Irresistible
- Iconic Flavor Pairing: The rich, nutty taste of peanut butter pairs perfectly with the smooth chocolate of a Hershey’s Kiss.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Shaping the dough and pressing in the Kisses is an activity the whole family can enjoy.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for holiday platters, cookie swaps, or a cozy snack.
- Timeless Appeal: A recipe that has stood the test of time, these cookies are a nostalgic favorite for many.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-Purpose Flour | 1¾ cups |
Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Creamy Peanut Butter | ½ cup |
Unsalted Butter (room temp) | ½ cup |
Granulated Sugar | ½ cup + ½ cup (for rolling) |
Light Brown Sugar | ½ cup (lightly packed) |
Large Egg | 1 |
Milk | 2 tablespoons |
Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped) | 11 oz bag |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed.
- Mix until the texture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until fully incorporated but avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Chill for at least 1 hour to make the dough easier to handle.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 7: Shape and Coat
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1½–2 inches apart.
- Bake for 7–8 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
Step 9: Add the Kisses
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. This will create the signature crackly edges.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve or store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the butter and peanut butter cream together smoothly.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
- Unwrap Kisses Ahead of Time: Have your Hershey’s Kisses ready to go before baking to avoid rushing.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the edges are set, even if the centers look slightly underdone—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Protein | 2g |
Carbohydrates | 13g |
Fat | 6g |
Sugar | 8g |
Creative Variations
- Swap the Kisses: Try dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses for a fun twist.
- Add Sprinkles: Roll the dough in festive sprinkles instead of granulated sugar for holiday flair.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Serving Suggestions
- With Milk: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Holiday Platters: Include them in a holiday cookie assortment for a crowd-pleasing option.
- Gifting: Package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls, coat with sugar, and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the cookies.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for up to a week.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to chill the dough in batches for consistent results.
5. Why are my cookies spreading?
This could be due to insufficient chilling or butter that’s too warm. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before baking.
6. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate squares, or even chocolate chips can work as fun alternatives.
Why These Cookies Are a Timeless Treat
There’s a reason Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms have remained a favorite for decades. They combine nostalgic flavors with a visually stunning presentation. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, making them a must-bake recipe for any cookie lover.
Conclusion: Bake a Batch Today!
Ready to bake the ultimate treat? These Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start creating your new favorite cookies today!
PrintSoft and Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Soft, chewy, and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss, these Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate nostalgic treat. Perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
- 11 oz bag Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy and well blended.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until fully combined.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1½–2 inches apart. Bake for 7–8 minutes.
- Add the Hershey’s Kiss:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie, creating crackly edges.
- Finish Baking:
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and peanut butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip chilling—it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Unwrapping Kisses: Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses while the dough is chilling to save time during assembly.
- Storage: Store cookies at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American