Peanut Butter Blossoms

Introduction

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful treat featuring soft, peanut butter cookies topped with a sweet chocolate kiss. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you’re in the mood for a comforting sweet treat, these cookies combine the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the rich taste of chocolate in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

• 24-30 chocolate kisses (unwrapped)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Shape the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
8. Add the Chocolate Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookies will crack slightly around the edges—this is normal.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24-30 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butters: You can substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut butter if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Chocolate: Swap out the chocolate kisses for other types of chocolate candies, such as caramel-filled or peppermint kisses.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure it’s well-stirred before using.
2. What can I use instead of chocolate kisses? You can use chocolate chips, caramel candies, or other small candies.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much? Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Roll the dough into balls and freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
5. What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can lightly grease your baking sheets or use silicone baking mats as an alternative.
6. Can I substitute the granulated sugar with another sweetener? Yes, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but this may affect the texture and flavor.
7. How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
8. Why did my chocolate kisses melt too much? Chocolate kisses are meant to stay intact on top of the cookies, so avoid overbaking the cookies to prevent the chocolate from melting too much.
9. Can I add nuts to the dough? Yes, you can mix in chopped peanuts or other nuts if you like extra crunch.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic cookie that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. With their soft texture and sweet, nutty taste, these cookies are sure to be a hit whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or as a delightful addition to any dessert table!

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