Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a delightful treat that has captured the hearts of many cookie lovers since they first graced American kitchens in the 1950s. With their rich, creamy peanut butter dough and a signature Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center, these cookies are the perfect embodiment of comfort and indulgence. The beautiful blend of flavors and textures creates a culinary experience that's hard to match.
As you bite into these cookies, you’ll first encounter a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, followed by the sweet and slightly salty notes of peanut butter, culminating in the rich creaminess of the chocolate kiss. They are ideal for cookie exchanges, festive occasions, or simply a cozy evening at home. What makes these cookies especially wonderful is how simple they are to prepare, making them a perfect choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up a batch of these delectable treats that are sure to bring smiles all around!
1. Preheat and Prep:
Begin your adventure by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat them together on medium speed until they form a smooth and well-combined mixture. Once combined, add in the packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, along with the salt. Continue mixing until the mixture is creamy and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. If you find that the ingredients are sticking to the sides of the bowl, occasionally scrape them down to ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients. Add the flour and baking soda into the same bowl with the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined; you want to avoid overmixing as this can lead to tough cookies. If you notice a few flour streaks, it’s perfectly fine to finish mixing by hand using a spatula; this will help you achieve that tender cookie texture you’re after.
4. Scoop, Roll, and Coat:
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls (approximately 25 grams each for uniformity). Roll each piece into a smooth ball and, if desired, roll them in extra granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. For a festive touch, consider using colored sanding sugar.
5. Bake:
Carefully place the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re puffy, cracked on the tops, and just slightly golden on the bottoms. The aroma of warm peanut butter and baking cookies will envelop your kitchen, tempting you beyond belief!
To ensure a seamless process, unwrap your Hershey’s Kisses while the cookies are baking—this way, they'll be ready to go the moment the cookies come out of the oven.
6. Add the Chocolate Kisses:
Once you’ve baked your cookies to perfection and the tops are beautifully cracked, remove them from the oven. Quickly press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm. The cookies will crack a bit more as you do this, and that is completely normal and adds to their charm! Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Enjoy!
The true joy comes when you finally get to enjoy your creation. Take a warm cookie (or two) and savor the melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness while the chocolate is still soft and gooey. Pair these delightful cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even your favorite herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack!
Tip:
For those looking to add a little twist to this already amazing recipe, consider mixing in other add-ins! You can throw in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon in the dough for a spiced-up cookie. If you need to store these cookies, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their chewy texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container with them—this helps keep moisture locked in.
Making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies is not just about the end result; it’s about the entire experience—from mixing the ingredients to watching them bake, and finally, indulging in the delightful combination of flavors. Whether you’re treating yourself, baking for a gathering, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s day, these cookies are sure to delight. And if you're feeling inspired, why not check out our other exceptional cookie recipes? You could whip up classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, or try something unique like Snickerdoodles with a twist. We invite you to explore more delicious content on our site, and please share your baking stories or variations of this recipe with us! Happy baking!