Peanut Butter Blossoms

Craving a nostalgic bite of Americana? Enter Peanut Butter Blossoms — a classic cookie that’s been delighting generations with its perfect balance of soft, chewy peanut butter dough and the irresistible charm of a chocolate kiss nestled right on top.

Ingredients List

Creating a delicious batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms requires simple pantry staples that come together to form the iconic treat. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for this cookie classic.

Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ tsp baking soda

For Rolling and Topping

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 18 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Required Kitchen Tools

When baking Peanut Butter Blossoms, the right tools will help you ensure even texture, shape, and baking results. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – To cream the butter, sugars, and peanut butter efficiently.
2. Mixing Bowls – At least two bowls, one for the wet mixture and one for the dry ingredients.
3. Baking Sheets – Lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Cookie Scoop – To ensure uniform cookie size and even baking.
5. Wire Cooling Rack – For cooling the cookies post-bake.
6. Spatula or Spoon – To fold in ingredients and scrape the bowl clean.
7. Small Bowl – For rolling cookie dough balls in granulated sugar.

With these basic tools and accessible ingredients, you’ll be ready to craft the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms with ease.

Dough Preparation

The dough is the heart of every cookie, and for Peanut Butter Blossoms, a perfectly creamed and balanced mixture is key. Follow these steps to achieve that signature soft and chewy texture.

Mixing the Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ½ cup light brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add in ½ cup creamy peanut butter and continue mixing for an additional 1–2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
3. Crack in 1 large egg and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Once the dough is prepared, it’s time to portion and roll it for baking.

Shaping the Cookies

Perfectly shaped cookies lead to consistent baking and better presentation. Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Scoop and Roll:
   Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each dough ball between your palms to form a smooth, round shape.
2. Sugar Coating:
   Pour ¼ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated. This creates a delicate, slightly crisp exterior once baked.
3. Placement:
   Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Baking and Topping

Baking the cookies just right ensures a soft, chewy base — and the final flourish of chocolate on top makes these cookies truly iconic.

Baking the Cookies

1. Place the prepared baking sheets with the sugar-rolled dough balls into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
2. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed up and the tops begin to crack. They should be slightly underbaked at this stage — that’s what gives them their soft texture.

Adding the Hershey’s Kiss

1. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Press just enough to embed the chocolate but not flatten the cookie.
2. Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly and ensures it adheres to the cookie.

Cooling the Cookies

Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up and keeps their shape intact. Avoid transferring them while warm, as they are delicate and may break.

Your Peanut Butter Blossoms are now baked to perfection — soft, rich, and crowned with chocolate.

Serving and Presentation

Peanut Butter Blossoms are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Their iconic chocolate-centered appearance makes them perfect for holiday cookie trays, bake sales, or everyday treats.

Presentation Tips

• Cool & Set: Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before plating to allow the chocolate kiss to set and avoid smudging.
• Festive Touch: Serve them on a decorative platter or in holiday-themed tins for seasonal occasions.
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa.

Their signature shape and familiar flavor are sure to draw smiles from anyone who takes a bite.

Storage Instructions

To maintain the freshness and soft texture of your Peanut Butter Blossoms, proper storage is essential.

Keeping Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peanut Butter Blossoms

Want to make them ahead or save extras?

• To freeze baked cookies: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep for up to 2 months.
• To freeze cookie dough balls: Roll in sugar, freeze on a tray, and store in a bag or container. When ready to bake, just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time — no need to thaw!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless cookie, combining the rich, nutty depth of peanut butter with the smooth sweetness of a chocolate kiss.

With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a batch of cookies that are soft, chewy, and crowd-pleasing every time.