Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossoms That Melt in Your Mouth
The Secret to Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms That Melt in Your Mouth
There’s something magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate that makes Peanut Butter Blossoms a beloved classic. This recipe, cherished in my family for over 60 years, creates soft and chewy cookies that practically beg you to indulge. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors, with a warm Hershey’s chocolate kiss resting on top, creating the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Blossoms
– They come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
– The texture is soft and chewy, with a crispy sugar coating that adds a delightful crunch.
– They’re budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
– These cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress family and friends alike.
– They make great holiday gifts when packaged in cute tins or boxes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To whip up these delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need a few essential tools:
– Large mixing bowl: For creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
– Measuring cups: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients for perfect results.
– Baking sheet: To hold your cookies while they bake in the oven.
– Parchment paper (optional): For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
– Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie balls for even baking.
Preparation Tips
For the best Peanut Butter Blossoms, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you’re short on time, chilling the dough is optional but can help enhance the flavors. Also, don’t skip rolling the cookie balls in sugar before baking; it adds an irresistible sweetness!
Ingredients for this Peanut Butter Blossoms
– 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
– 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
– 1/2 cup Sugar
– 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
– 1 large Egg
– 1 teaspoon Vanilla
– 1 Tablespoon Milk
– 1 3/4 cups Flour
– 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
– 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt
– Sugar (to roll cookie balls in)
– 1 pkg. Hershey Kisses
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ah, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house! There’s something so special about making Peanut Butter Blossoms, a family favorite for more than 60 years. These delectable little treats are soft, chewy, and topped with a delightful chocolate kiss that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed and blend for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that ideal texture. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends evenly!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add in the creamy peanut butter, large egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined. You want this mixture to be smooth and cohesive. Scraping down the sides again will help make sure no ingredients are left behind.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing could lead to tougher cookies. If you have a bit of time on your hands (and I highly recommend you do!), let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps enhance flavors and makes rolling easier.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
While your dough chills (or after you mix everything if you’re in a hurry), preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly once they hit the oven.
Step 5: Roll and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Roll your chilled dough into 1-inch balls; this should yield about 36 cookies. Roll each ball in sugar until well coated for that sweet crunch on the outside. Place them spaced apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes. You want them slightly underbaked so they remain soft and chewy!
Step 6: Add Hershey Kisses
As soon as you take them out of the oven, unwrap those Hershey Kisses while they’re still warm! Press one kiss into each cookie gently but firmly—this will create that beautiful signature look we all know and love.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow your Peanut Butter Blossoms to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack or plate. Patience is key here; letting them cool ensures they set properly without falling apart.
Notes
The beauty of Peanut Butter Blossoms lies in their versatility! Feel free to substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture or try almond butter if you’re looking for something different. You can also elevate these cookies by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving or drizzling melted dark chocolate over them after they’ve cooled.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients instead of room temperature can affect how well they combine.
– Overmixing dough after adding flour can lead to tough cookies.
– Not chilling the dough may result in spreading too much during baking.
– Forgetting to press down on the kisses while warm could lead them not sticking nicely.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftovers (if there are any!), place your Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze these beauties! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave briefly—just enough to soften!
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 91 kcal
– Protein: 2 g
– Fat: 5 g
– Carbs: 11 g
– Sugar: 6 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works great too; just be aware that it may make your cookies slightly less sweet due to its lower sugar content.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for edges that are set but centers that still appear soft—this usually means they’re perfectly chewy once cooled!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking; just ensure it’s safe if you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have Hershey Kisses?
No worries! You can use any chocolate candy of your choice—chocolate chips work wonderfully as well!
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly at room temperature, these cookies can stay fresh for up to a week!
Conclusion
I truly hope you give this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe a try—it’s such a joy to bake and share! Each bite brings back memories and warmth from family gatherings around holiday times. Please feel free to share your thoughts after trying this recipe; I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
Method
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add creamy peanut butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix for another 2 minutes until well combined.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls, roll in sugar, and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Press a Hershey Kiss into each cookie while they are still warm.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
