Introduction
Peanut butter blossom cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. These cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a signature Hershey’s Kiss on top, making them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, very soft at room temperature
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for the cookie dough)
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the cookie dough balls)
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
28 Hershey’s Kiss candies, unwrapped and frozen
Prep Time
1 hour (plus additional chilling time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (excluding chilling)
Yield: About 28 cookies
These peanut butter blossom cookies are not only simple to make but also provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful rewards that come with it!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter with the softened unsalted butter. Add the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack the large egg into the mixing bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture again until the egg is fully incorporated and the overall mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary to ensure that the cookie dough is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the peanut butter cookie dough for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days if you want to prepare it in advance.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets
Once the dough has chilled, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
Step 7: Get Sugar Ready
Pour the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. This will be used for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Step 8: Form Cookie Balls
Using a 1½ tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, scoop a level amount of peanut butter cookie dough. Gently roll it in the palm of your hand to create a smooth ball. Roll the dough ball in the granulated sugar before placing it onto one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all the cookie dough has been rolled and placed on the baking sheets.
Step 9: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it preheats, keep the prepared cookie dough balls in the refrigerator to maintain their chill, which helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Step 10: Bake Cookies
Place 9-12 cookie dough balls, spaced 2 inches apart, onto one of the baking sheets. Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges and the centers are set. The cookies should show a cracked appearance due to the sugar coating.
Step 11: Add Hershey’s Kisses
Remove the baked cookies from the oven and gently press a frozen Hershey’s Kiss candy into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.
Step 12: Cool Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 13: Repeat Baking
Repeat steps 10 and 11 until all the cookie dough has been baked and cooled, ensuring that every cookie is topped with a Hershey’s Kiss.
Notes
Tip for Chilling
Ensure that the cookie dough is adequately chilled before baking, as this will help maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
Cookie Size
For even baking, try to form the cookie dough balls to be as uniform in size as possible using the cookie scoop.
Storage
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to retain freshness. They can also be frozen for longer preservation.
Variations
Experiment with different types of chocolate candies in place of the Hershey’s Kisses for variety!
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl to ensure they are evenly combined and to add air for a lighter cookie texture.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together peanut butter, soft butter, and sugars until smooth, which helps incorporate air and gives the cookies a light texture.
Incorporating Egg and Vanilla
Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until thoroughly combined for enhanced flavor and moisture.
Combining Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed to prevent flour from flying and ensure a well-mixed dough.
Chilling the Dough
Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 1 hour to firm it up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
Rolling Cookie Dough
Scoop and roll the dough into balls, then roll in sugar to create a sweet, crunchy exterior.
Baking Preparation
Preheat the oven and keep cookie dough balls chilled to control spreading, ensuring cookies maintain their shape.
Baking Cookies
Bake the cookies until pale golden brown, allowing them to crack from the sugar coating, which gives them a delightful appearance.
Adding Hershey’s Kisses
Press a frozen Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm, ensuring it melts slightly and creates a delicious topping.
Cooling Cookies
Allow the baked cookies to cool on a wire rack, which lets air circulate and avoids sogginess.
FAQ
Can I substitute natural peanut butter for creamy peanut butter?
Using natural peanut butter may change the texture and sweetness due to the lack of added oils and sugar, so it’s not recommended for this recipe.
Why is it important to chill the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, preventing cookies from spreading too much during baking and resulting in a thicker cookie.
Can I use other types of chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Yes, you can use chocolate chips or any other chocolate candy of your choice, though it may affect the overall look and taste.
How should I store the cookies?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked cookie dough balls for future baking. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
These peanut butter blossom cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors with the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter and the sweet surprise of a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Their soft and chewy consistency makes them a favorite treat for any occasion. Refrigerating the dough enhances the flavor and ensures perfect baking results. Enjoy sharing these cookies with family and friends, or savor them as a treat for yourself.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a classic chocolate chip twist on the peanut butter cookie.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Incorporate rolled oats into the dough for added texture and a heartier cookie that’s still deliciously chewy.
Nutella-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cookies
Create a surprise by adding a dollop of Nutella inside each cookie before baking for a chocolate hazelnut center.
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies
Top the cookies with marshmallow fluff or a piece of marshmallow before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, dip the edges in melted chocolate and allow them to set for an added touch of richness.
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Mash ripe bananas into the dough for a fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and keeps the cookies moist.
Spiced Peanut Butter Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for autumn or holiday gatherings.
