Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a classic American treat known for their delightful combination of rich peanut butter flavor and sweet chocolate kisses. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with a glass of milk. The recipe is rooted in mid-20th century American baking, with the iconic Hershey’s Kiss in the center adding a touch of chocolatey sweetness that perfectly complements the peanut butter base.
These cookies are characterized by their soft and chewy texture with a signature chocolate kiss perched on top. Whether you’re baking them for a festive occasion or just because, Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are sure to be a hit. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these delectable cookies, from mixing the dough to baking and decorating.
Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
How to Make Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The creaming process is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.
- Add Peanut Butter and Eggs: Beat in the creamy peanut butter until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs evenly into the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. The baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Form Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out rounded balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll them between your hands to form smooth balls.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional): For added sweetness and a touch of sparkle, you can roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows for proper spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth from the cookies will slightly melt the bottom of the kiss, helping it adhere.
5. Cool and Serve:
- Cool on Baking Sheets: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for its rich flavor and ability to create a tender texture in cookies. It’s important to use softened butter to ensure proper creaming with the sugars.
Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges. It also helps with the overall structure and texture.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness to the cookies due to its molasses content. It also enhances the depth of flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter provides the signature flavor of these cookies and contributes to their soft and chewy texture. You can use smooth or chunky peanut butter based on your preference.
Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together and provide structure. They also help with leavening and contribute to the overall texture of the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the main structural component of the cookies. It helps form the dough and gives the cookies their shape.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become fluffy. Baking soda works with the acidic ingredients, while baking powder provides additional lift.
Hershey’s Kisses: These chocolate candies are the iconic topping for Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. Their smooth, sweet chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty peanut butter base.
This Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies recipe combines classic flavors with an easy preparation process, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy the process of making these delightful cookies and the joy they bring to those who taste them!
