Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic, irresistible cookie that combines the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. These cookies are famous for their soft, chewy texture and the signature Hershey’s Kiss placed in the center. They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making Peanut Butter Blossoms at home:

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional granulated sugar, for rolling the dough
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and peanut butter using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

3. Shape the Cookies:

• Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter (you should get around 36 balls of dough).
• Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat it evenly.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

4. Bake:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Do not overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up once removed from the oven.

5. Add the Hershey’s Kiss:

• As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. Be gentle to avoid breaking the cookie. The cookie will crack around the edges, which is normal.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms:

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to work with and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Peanut Butter Choice: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the consistency slightly. Avoid using natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it doesn’t work well in cookie recipes.
• Hershey’s Kisses: While milk chocolate Kisses are traditional, you can experiment with dark chocolate Kisses, cherry Kisses, or even peanut butter Kisses for a fun twist.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies also freeze well, so you can store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for holiday cookie platters, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or milk.
• They also make a great addition to bake sales or gifts. Just stack them in a festive tin or box for a charming homemade gift.

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie that brings together the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a perfect bite-sized treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser!