Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a beloved classic in the world of baking. Their combination of rich peanut butter flavor and sweet, melty chocolate creates a cookie that’s hard to resist. These cookies are especially popular during the holiday season but are perfect for any occasion. The signature Hershey’s Kiss on top adds a touch of indulgence and a hint of nostalgia, making them a favorite among both kids and adults.
This recipe for Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (do not use natural or crunchy)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Form Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. The centers may look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.
Step 4: Add Hershey’s Kisses
- Add Kisses: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will slightly melt the Kiss, allowing it to adhere.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the Hershey’s Kiss to set properly.
Step 5: Enjoy
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with a glass of milk or as a sweet treat anytime. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
About the Main Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter is the star of this recipe, providing a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture. It’s important to use creamy peanut butter rather than natural or crunchy varieties, as the consistency affects the dough’s texture and the cookies’ final outcome. The sugar in the creamy peanut butter also helps in creating the cookies’ structure.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough and contributes to its texture. Rolling the dough balls in additional sugar before baking gives the cookies a delightful crunch and a sugary exterior.
Egg
The egg in this recipe serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the cookie dough together. It also adds richness and moisture to the cookies, ensuring a soft and tender texture.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm and aromatic note. It complements the peanut butter and chocolate, making the cookies more flavorful.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder
Baking soda and baking powder are leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become fluffy. They work together to create the perfect texture in the cookies, ensuring they’re not too dense.
Salt
A small amount of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies. It also helps to bring out the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.
Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s Kisses add a touch of chocolate indulgence to each cookie. Their smooth and creamy texture complements the peanut butter perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Using unwrapped Kisses makes it easier to add them to the cookies right after baking.
Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a timeless treat that combines the rich taste of peanut butter with the sweetness of chocolate. This recipe simplifies the process while ensuring that you get delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time. Perfect for holiday baking or everyday enjoyment, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring these delightful treats with friends and family!
