Peanut butter blossoms – the name alone evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These iconic cookies, with their soft peanut butter center and a delightful Hershey’s Kiss on top, are a staple at holiday gatherings, bake sales, and family kitchens all year round. But what makes them so special? Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the recipe, the harmonious blend of sweet and salty, or the sheer joy of biting into that perfectly baked cookie. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: peanut butter blossoms hold a special place in our hearts and on our dessert tables.
Today, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure to recreate these beloved treats right in your own kitchen. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker; this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of these irresistible cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
- 36 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
A Note on Ingredients
- Peanut butter: While creamy peanut butter works best for the classic texture, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter for an added crunch.
- Hershey’s Kisses: Feel free to switch up the Kisses for other varieties like dark chocolate or caramel-filled for a fun twist.
Tools of the Trade
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Let’s Get Baking!
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Beat in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradual addition: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Shape and roll: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
- Arrange and bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- The grand finale: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
