Name: Peanut Butter Blossoms: Irresistibly Chewy Holiday Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (Consider gluten-free blend if necessary.); ½ cup granulated sugar (Extra for rolling dough balls.); ½ cup light brown sugar (Can substitute with dark brown sugar.); ½ cup unsalted butter (Stick margarine can be used but alters taste.); 1 cup creamy peanut butter (Use natural peanut butter, well-stirred.); 1 large egg (Can substitute with a flax egg for vegan.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Imitation extract can be used if needed.); 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (Can substitute with dark chocolate or peppermint.)

The scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is like an invitation to indulge in a moment of comfort. When it comes to Christmas cookies, few can capture the essence of the season quite like Peanut Butter Blossoms. These delightful treats feature the creamy embrace of peanut butter paired with the sweet surprise of a Hershey’s Kiss on top. Not only are they irresistibly easy to whip up, but their chewy texture and sweet-and-salty balance make them a holiday favorite for bakers and cookie lovers alike. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring warmth to your heart and a smile to your face. Are you ready to turn your kitchen into a cookie wonderland?

Why Are Peanut Butter Blossoms So Special?

Irresistible Aroma: As they bake, these cookies fill your home with a warm, inviting scent that encapsulates holiday spirit.

Nostalgic Feel: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate evokes memories of childhood treats shared with loved ones.

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies in no time.

Versatile Flavors: You can easily customize your treats by swapping in dark chocolate or peppermint Kisses for a festive twist.

Perfect for Gatherings: Their crowd-pleasing taste and delightful appearance make them ideal for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings.

Combine them with a hot drink or make a sweet spread with Garlic Herb Butter for ultimate enjoyment!

Peanut Butter Blossoms Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-purpose flour – Essential for forming the cookies; no substitutions advised unless gluten-free flour blend is used.
Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and a crisp surface; use extra for rolling dough balls.
Light brown sugar – Contributes moisture and chewy texture; can be replaced with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Unsalted butter – Adds fat and flavor; stick margarine is a substitute but may alter the taste.
Creamy peanut butter – Core flavoring agent for these Peanut Butter Blossoms; choose natural peanut butter that’s well-stirred and not overly oily.
Large egg – Helps bind the dough together; substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor; imitation extract can be used if needed.
Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent; using substitutions for this is uncommon.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and elevates flavors; necessary for optimal taste.

For the Topping

Milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses – Adds a signature look and sweetness; consider swapping for dark chocolate or seasonal peppermint variations.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, take a moment to line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep ensures your Peanut Butter Blossoms won’t stick and will bake evenly, allowing for a delightful golden finish.

Step 2: Cream the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color—approximately 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Next, incorporate 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well-combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your Peanut Butter Blossoms maintain that chewy texture that everyone loves.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing allows for spreading as they bake, ensuring perfectly formed Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—look for edges that are lightly golden, while the centers may still appear soft. This slight underbaking will create a chewy texture for your cookies, which is key for the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms delight.

Step 6: Add the Hershey’s Kisses
As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, creating a deliciously sweet surprise when you take a bite. Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the chocolate.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the Peanut Butter Blossoms to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it allows the cookies to firm up while still retaining their chewiness. Once cooled, serve these delightful treats with a glass of milk or your favorite festive drink.

Peanut Butter Blossoms: Delicious Twists Await

Feel free to get creative with your Peanut Butter Blossoms—each variation can delight your taste buds in a new way!

Dark Chocolate: Swap milk chocolate Kisses for rich dark chocolate for a deep, luscious flavor that balances perfectly with peanut butter.
Peppermint Kisses: Use peppermint-flavored Kisses during the holidays for a refreshing twist that adds a festive touch to your cookie platter.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Switch to crunchy peanut butter for added texture and an extra nutty crunch in every bite. It’s a delightful surprise!
Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract to introduce an elegant layer of flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle your cookies with melted caramel for an indulgent treat that enhances the sweet and salty flavors.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising hint of heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate.
Nut Topping: Top with chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, before baking for an extra crunch and a delightful nutty flavor.
Thai Peanut Twist: For a unique fusion, incorporate a couple of tablespoons of coconut or experiment with the flavors from Thai Peanut Noodles to give that tropical essence to your cookies.

Your baking journey is only limited by your imagination—so mix and match these variations to find your perfect Peanut Butter Blossom!

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms

Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave frozen cookies for about 10-15 seconds, or until heated through, bringing back that just-baked experience.

Dough Storage: If you’re preparing dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just roll into balls and bake as directed!

Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chill the Dough: Cooling the dough for 20-30 minutes ensures better shape retention while baking, helping to keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms from spreading too much.
Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter that’s well-mixed and not overly oily to maintain dough consistency. Avoid natural types that can be too runny.
Roll Tightly: Make sure to roll the dough balls tightly; this helps in retaining their shape during baking and prevents excess spreading.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake; pulling them out when the centers are slightly soft ensures the perfect chewy texture.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to swap out Hershey’s Kisses; try dark chocolate or mint-flavored ones for a festive variation to your Peanut Butter Blossoms.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossoms

The delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors from these cookies pairs perfectly with a variety of comforting sides and beverages.

Cold Glass of Milk: A classic choice, milk perfectly complements the richness of peanut butter and the sweetness of chocolate.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm cup of cocoa, allowing the chocolate notes to enhance the cookie experience.
Spiced Chai: The warm spices of chai add a unique twist, contrasting beautifully with the sweet and nutty cookie flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a warm peanut butter blossom, creating a delicious explosion of flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a tangy contrast, balancing the rich sweetness of the cookies.
Buttery Popcorn: The crunch and salinity of buttery popcorn can serve as a fun snack alongside your cookie indulgence.
Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and fruits, a yogurt parfait adds a delightful crunch and creaminess to your cookie treat.
Chocolate Milk: For a chocolate lover’s dream, pair your cookies with chocolate milk for a double dose of flavor.
Peppermint Tea: This soothing drink enhances the overall holiday spirit and refreshes the palate after indulging in sweet treats.

Make Ahead Options

Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating the dough. This helps the flavors meld while maintaining the chewy texture you love. To ensure they stay fresh, tightly wrap the dough in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and roll the dough in sugar, place them on a baking sheet, and add the Hershey’s Kisses immediately after baking. This way, you have delicious holiday cookies with minimal effort on the day you need them!

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe FAQs

What are the best types of peanut butter to use for Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Using creamy peanut butter is key to achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. I recommend selecting a well-mixed, traditional creamy peanut butter rather than natural types that can be overly oily. If you prefer, you can also experiment with crunchy peanut butter for added texture!

How should I store my Peanut Butter Blossoms?
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossoms fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to enjoy them later, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Peanut Butter Blossoms, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top freezer bag. These delightful treats can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent excess spreading, ensure you chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape. Additionally, rolling the dough balls tightly can contribute to better structure during the baking process.

Are there any common allergens in Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes, Peanut Butter Blossoms contain common allergens such as peanuts, gluten (from the flour), and eggs. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, it’s best to substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or almond butter, and use a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) works beautifully.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to roll it into balls and bake as directed when you’re ready. This is a great way to save time on busy baking days!