Oh, Peanut Butter Blossoms! Just the name brings back so many warm, nostalgic memories from my childhood. I remember baking these delightful cookies with my grandma during the holidays, filling the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of roasted peanuts and melting chocolate. Even as a child, there was something magical about the whole process—rolling the dough into little balls, watching them puff up in the oven, and then the grand finale: pressing that bright, shiny Hershey’s Kiss right in the center! Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than that!
And let’s be real, these cookies are just plain fun! They offer the perfect balance of salty and sweet, chewy and crunchy. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekday treat, these Peanut Butter Blossoms are always a hit. I mean, who can resist a cookie that not only tastes amazing but also looks like a little chocolate hat? Plus, they’re super easy to make, which makes them a great project to whip up with friends or family!
What’s in Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! I usually go for creamy peanut butter, but if you like a bit of crunch, crunchy works wonders too.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies that delicious sweetness and helps in creating a lovely texture.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a touch of moisture and brings out the warmth of the peanut flavor.
Eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies don’t crumble apart.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor, making these cookies oh-so-aromatic and comforting.
All-Purpose Flour: This keeps the dough together and contributes to that perfect cookie structure.
Baking Soda: For leavening, this little powder gives your cookies a nice lift as they bake.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making the peanut butter taste even richer.
Additional Granulated Sugar: This is for rolling the dough balls—because who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle?
Hershey’s Kisses: The crowning glory of each cookie! They bring the sweetness of chocolate right to the center of every delightful bite.
Is Peanut Butter Blossoms Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves—these cookies are a treat! But here’s the scoop:
Peanut Butter: It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, which help keep you feeling full longer. Plus, it’s a good source of vitamins like E and B6!
Sugar: While it adds sweetness, too much granulated sugar can contribute to energy spikes and crashes. Moderation is key!
Flour: Made from wheat, it provides carbohydrates that are essential for energy, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can swap it with a gluten-free flour blend.
Enjoy these cookies in moderation, and they can absolutely have a place in a balanced diet!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 36 Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
*Serves: About 36 cookies*
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and helps the cookies not stick!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and creamy. You might want to give it a little taste—just to be sure it’s good, right?
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined. Don’t overmix; you just want it to come together nicely.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar for that lovely, sparkly finish.
6. Place the rolled balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart because they will spread out a little while baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. You want those chewy centers!
8. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. If you want an extra gooey experience, return them to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the chocolate soften just right.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all while they’re still warm!
Delightful Variations and Tips
These cookies are fantastic just as they are, but let’s have some fun! Try using flavored Hershey’s Kisses like caramel or almond for an exciting twist. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of each cookie after pressing in the chocolate. It adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Store any leftovers (if there are any—good luck with that!) in an airtight container for up to a week. They’ll disappear faster than you can say “cookie monster!”
I genuinely hope you give these Peanut Butter Blossoms a try! They’ve been a cherished part of my baking repertoire for years, and I can’t wait for you to make some unforgettable memories with them. Share your experience, and let me know how they turned out for you! Happy baking! 🍪
