Bake Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossoms That Everyone Will Love

Peanut Butter Blossoms – the beloved cookie that’s a staple during the holiday season and beyond. These sweet, nutty treats are a timeless classic that brings joy to cookie lovers everywhere. With their soft, chewy centers and irresistible Hershey’s Kisses topping, Peanut Butter Blossoms are the ultimate indulgence.

The origins of this delightful cookie can be traced back to the 1930s, when the recipe was first published in a Hershey’s cookbook. Since then, Peanut Butter Blossoms have become a beloved part of many families’ holiday traditions, gracing cookie trays and gift baskets throughout the season. Their popularity has only grown over the decades, making them a must-have in any well-stocked cookie jar.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

To capture the authentic flavor and texture of Peanut Butter Blossoms, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show, creamy peanut butter provides the rich, nutty flavor that gives these cookies their signature taste. Opt for a high-quality brand to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and helps create the perfect cookie crumb.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars gives the cookies a delightful balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the cookies together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides structure and helps create the perfect soft, yet sturdy texture.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to make the cookies rise and achieve their signature shape.
• Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
• Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic chocolate kiss topping is the crowning glory of Peanut Butter Blossoms, providing a delightful contrast to the peanut butter cookie.

Preparing Peanut Butter Blossoms

Ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies? Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in extra granulated sugar. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pop the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to brown. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.
7. Top with Hershey’s Kisses: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each one. This will create the iconic “blossom” shape.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your freshly baked Peanut Butter Blossoms!

Tips for Peanut Butter Blossom Perfection

To ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

• Adjust Baking Time for High Altitudes: If you’re baking at high altitudes (typically above 3,000 feet), you may need to reduce the baking time by 2 to 5 minutes to prevent the cookies from overbaking.
• Use Natural Peanut Butter Carefully: While you can use natural peanut butter, it will result in a slightly different texture and flavor. The cookies may spread more, so consider refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking. You may also want to adjust the sugar content to balance the natural peanut butter’s reduced sweetness.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, and finish by gently folding the dough by hand.
• Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even toffee bits to put your own spin on Peanut Butter Blossoms. Just be mindful not to add too many extra mix-ins, as they can affect the dough’s consistency.

Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies:

• Freezing the Dough: Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling in sugar and baking.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow the baked and cooled Peanut Butter Blossoms to freeze on a baking sheet until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
• Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the baking time for high-altitude baking when making Peanut Butter Blossoms?

When baking at high altitudes (typically above 3,000 feet), you may need to make adjustments to your Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe to ensure they turn out correctly. Generally, you should reduce the baking time by about 2 to 5 minutes, as cookies tend to bake faster at higher elevations. Additionally, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar slightly (by about 1-2 tablespoons) to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. If the dough feels too dry, consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid (water or milk). Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original recipe suggests.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter, and will it affect the cookies?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in your Peanut Butter Blossoms, but it will affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Natural peanut butter is often less sweet and has a more pronounced nutty flavor, which can change the overall taste of the cookies. Additionally, natural peanut butter tends to be more oily, which may lead to cookies that spread more while baking. To counter this, consider refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape. Also, you may want to adjust the sugar content slightly to compensate for the reduced sweetness.

What are some common signs that my Peanut Butter Blossoms dough is overmixed?

Overmixing the dough for Peanut Butter Blossoms can lead to tough cookies due to the development of gluten. Common signs of overmixed dough include a very smooth, glossy texture and a somewhat elastic feel when you touch it. Instead of being soft and slightly sticky, the dough may become firm and less pliable. To avoid overmixing, mix the ingredients just until they are combined, and a few streaks of flour remain. It’s best to finish combining by hand if you’re using a mixer, ensuring you maintain a light and tender cookie texture.

Can I add additional ingredients to my Peanut Butter Blossoms, and if so, what are some good options?

Absolutely! Peanut Butter Blossoms are versatile, and you can customize them by adding various ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. Some popular options include chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like peanuts or walnuts), or even toffee bits for a sweet crunch. You might also consider adding spices like cinnamon or a bit of instant espresso powder to deepen the flavor. Just be cautious not to add too many extra ingredients, as this might alter the dough’s consistency. A good rule of thumb is to limit additional ingredients to about 1/2 cup total.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless classic that never fails to delight. With their irresistible peanut butter flavor, soft and chewy texture, and the iconic Hershey’s Kiss topping, these cookies are a surefire hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to bring a smile to the faces of all who indulge. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these beloved, crowd-pleasing cookies!

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