There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, and nothing quite captures that feeling like Classic Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. As the holiday season draws near, I can’t help but think of the joyful afternoons spent with my family, rolling dough into perfect little balls and watching as they transform into delightful treats topped with a sweet Hershey’s Kiss. The moment we press that chocolatey crown into the warm cookie brings an undeniable spark of magic!
What I love most about these cookies is their incredible versatility. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth after a long day, they deliver a perfect balance of soft, chewy peanut butter goodness and rich chocolate sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for inviting friends or kids into the kitchen for some memory-making fun. Join me in making a batch of these nostalgic delights—your taste buds will thank you!
Why are peanut butter blossom cookies a must-try?
Nostalgic Taste: These cookies are a delightful reminder of childhood baking adventures, filling your home with comforting aromas.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, they’re perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs.
Versatile Variations: Easily customize with nut butters or add-ins like chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They’re always a hit at parties and family gatherings, offering a sweet spot for every palate.
Fun with Kids: Involving little ones in the baking process makes for cherished memories and bonding time in the kitchen.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake some magical treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- All Purpose Flour – This is the backbone of the cookies, giving them structure; you can swap with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully light in texture.
- Baking Soda – Works in tandem with baking powder to help cookies spread perfectly.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors; regular table salt will do if that’s what you have.
- Butter (softened) – Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and promotes ideal cookie spread during baking.
- Brown Sugar – Infuses a depth of flavor and moisture; swap for more granulated sugar if needed.
- Large Egg – Binds everything together and contributes to the delicious chewy texture.
- Smooth Peanut Butter – The star of the show! Gives that signature flavor and chewiness; all-natural variants may alter the texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Adds an aromatic note that enhances the cookie experience.
For Coating and Topping
- Granulated Sugar or Sanding Sugar – Use it to roll your dough balls for an extra sweet and crunchy finish.
- Hershey’s Kiss Chocolates – The iconic topping that sweetens each cookie with a delicious chocolate punch and completes the peanut butter blossom cookies.
Remember, these ingredients come together to create a delightful cookie that captures the essence of beloved holiday traditions! Happy baking!
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and reach that perfect golden color.
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. This blend is crucial for your peanut butter blossom cookies and helps achieve a light texture.
Beat the softened butter until creamy in a large bowl. Next, mix in the granulated and brown sugars until the combination is well incorporated and fluffy.
Add in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract; beat until everything is nice and smooth. The luscious peanut butter flavor starts to come alive here!
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be sure not to overmix—keeping a little texture will yield that soft, chewy cookie we all adore.
Scoop and roll dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon-sized balls; then coat them gently in sugar. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them room to spread.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. They should look puffy and soft, a perfect sign they’re coming together beautifully.
Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie right after they come out of the oven, creating a sweet little surprise in each bite.
Cool completely on a wire rack before diving in. This step helps set the cookies, making them even more delightful to eat!
Optional: Serve with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Avoid Tough Cookies: Don’t overmix the dough; this ensures your peanut butter blossom cookies remain soft and chewy.
- Chocolate Kisses Timing: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies while they are warm but not hot to prevent melting.
- Chill for Firmness: If you prefer a firmer cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Proper Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is perfectly softened, not melted, for easy mixing and a tender cookie.
- Experiment with Substitutes: Try using almond butter or sunflower butter for a tasty twist and different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
There’s something truly magical about sharing these delightful treats with friends and family, enhancing the experience with perfect pairings.
Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing that complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors, providing a creamy balance.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an extra touch of indulgence, creating a delightful contrast to the warm cookies.
Hot Chocolate: Sipping on rich hot chocolate while enjoying these cookies makes for a cozy treat on chilly days.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apple slices introduce a refreshing sweetness, balancing the richness of the cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee cuts through the sweetness, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up alongside your cookies.
Holiday Cookie Platter: Make a variety of cookies for a festive spread, where these peanut butter blossoms will shine amongst other sweets.
Peanut Butter Milkshake: For the true peanut butter lover, blend together a milkshake to indulge in that familiar flavor in another form.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These elegant treats pair beautifully, adding a touch of sophistication and freshness to your dessert table.
Embrace these pairings to create memorable moments while enjoying your peanut butter blossom cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful peanut butter blossom cookies are perfect for meal prep, making your baking experience smooth and stress-free! You can prepare the dough up to 72 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and rolling them into balls before refrigerating them in an airtight container. If you want to store them for longer, the dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. To ensure every cookie remains just as delicious, press the Hershey’s Kisses into the cookies while they are still warm for the best melting experience. This way, you’ll have freshly baked treats ready to share with family and friends with minimum effort on busy weeknights!
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Variations
Customize your peanut butter blossom cookies with these delightful twists that will excite your taste buds!
Nut Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter for a different flavor while keeping the same chewy texture.
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil and a flax egg instead of butter and egg, creating a delightful vegan cookie everyone will love.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate your gluten-sensitive friends and familymembers.
Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough for an added chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
Oatmeal Twist: Add rolled oats to the dough for a chewy texture and a wholesome element that enhances each bite.
Coconut Flour: For a lower-carb twist, try using coconut flour, but remember to adjust quantities, as it’s more absorbent than traditional flour.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a warm, aromatic dimension to the cookies.
Jam Thumbprint: Instead of chocolate kisses, fill the center with your favorite jam for a fruity surprise that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Embrace your creativity and serve up some unique flavors in your comforting classic!
How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend the freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container to keep them from sticking together.
Raw Dough: You can also freeze raw dough balls for up to 2 months. Simply roll them into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag to bake fresh cookies anytime!
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe peanut butter?
Absolutely! It’s key to choose a smooth peanut butter that’s free from added sugars or hydrogenated oils for the best flavor. If opting for all-natural peanut butter, just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit less chewy but still delicious.
How should I store my peanut butter blossom cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their deliciously soft texture. If you’re thinking about extending their freshness, they can also be refrigerated for up to a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying again!
Can I freeze peanut butter blossom cookies?
Definitely! Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. To do this, simply allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent sticking. For the freshest experience, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes after thawing.
What are some troubleshooting tips if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to overly soft butter or too much baking soda. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted; it should create a creamy consistency when beaten. I recommend chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Yes, it’s crucial to remember that peanut butter can be harmful to dogs if it contains xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Always check the label and choose a pure, xylitol-free peanut butter. Additionally, keep in mind that these cookies contain common allergens, including eggs and wheat, so it’s best to avoid serving them to individuals with related allergies.
How can I freeze the raw dough for later use?
Great idea! To freeze the raw dough, roll it into individual balls (about 1.5-2 tablespoons each). Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm. Once solid, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag and return them to the freezer. They can be stored this way for up to 2 months and baked fresh whenever the craving strikes!
Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies You'll Love to Bake
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Baking sheet
- - Parchment paper
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Regular table salt can be used.
- 1 cup Butter (softened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar Can be swapped for more granulated sugar.
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter All-natural may alter texture.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
For Coating and Topping
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar or Sanding Sugar For rolling dough balls.
- 24 pieces Hershey's Kiss Chocolates Iconic topping for cookies.
Instructions
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy, then mix in the granulated and brown sugars.
- Add in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop and roll dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon-sized balls; coat them gently in sugar.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
- Press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie immediately after baking.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.