Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If there’s one timeless treat that always sparks joy and brings a nostalgic smile, it’s the delightful Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe. These cookies perfectly blend the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter with the sweet surprise of a melted chocolate kiss right in the center. Each bite is a divine mix of chewy, soft dough, granulated sugar sparkle, and that irresistible chocolate burst. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or someone who adores classic, crowd-pleasing cookies, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for holidays, parties, or simply brightening up an ordinary day with a sweet little blossom of happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms. From the flour’s structure to the peanut butter’s unmistakable flavor and the sugars’ delightful crunch and sweetness, every element is essential for that ideal cookie consistency and taste.

• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the sturdy base that holds the cookie together without being too dense.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them light and tender.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter’s depth of flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds richness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peanut butter, creamy or chunky (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brings that classic, nutty taste and delightful chewiness.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup plus extra for rolling): Gives a slight crispiness on the cookie’s exterior and helps with the sugar coating’s sparkle.
• Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a hint of molasses flavor and keeps cookies moist and chewy.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the dough moist and helps create the perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Chocolate kisses (24-30, unwrapped): The crowning jewel pressed into each cookie, adding a melty chocolate finish that’s irresistible.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C), and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is the foundation that helps your cookies achieve that perfect balance between soft and structured.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic begins as air is incorporated, bringing fluffiness to the cookie dough.

Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. These wet ingredients not only bind the dough but also enrich the flavor and texture, making each cookie soft and tender.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — this keeps your cookies soft and prevents toughness.

Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, give each one a generous roll in extra granulated sugar to create that signature sugary shimmer and a slight crispness after baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart and pop them in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft and chewy.

Step 8: Press on the Chocolate Kisses

The moment your cookies come out of the oven is the most exciting — immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The gentle warmth of the cookie will soften the chocolate just enough to melt slightly, creating that iconic blossom effect.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This wait will be worth every second as the chocolate firms up just right, ready for you to indulge.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic chocolate kiss is the hallmark garnish, you can add a playful twist by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to amplify the sweet-and-salty contrast or adding finely chopped roasted peanuts around the edges for extra texture.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Blossoms are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or even a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these cookies to a party, consider arranging them in a flower shape on a festive platter or stacking them with parchment paper layers inside a decorative tin. Wrapping a few in a clear cello bag tied with a ribbon also makes a charming gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This storage method preserves the cookie’s softness and chocolate’s smoothness, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare cookies ahead of time, freeze baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate will soften and peanut butter aroma intensifies, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe?

Yes, natural peanut butter works wonderfully, but be aware it may change the texture slightly because it usually has more oil. If the dough feels too oily or loose, chill it before baking.

What if I don’t have chocolate kisses? Can I use chocolate chips instead?

Chocolate chips are a great substitute! Press about 3-4 chips together into the center of the cookie right after baking to mimic that signature chocolate center.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if needed. Properly measuring flour also helps keep the shape intact during baking.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend on a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to hold the dough together well.

Why do the cookies crack around the edges when I add the chocolate kiss?

That cracking is completely normal and part of the charm of Peanut Butter Blossoms. It happens because the cookie is still warm and soft when you press the chocolate in, allowing it to spread slightly and create beautiful texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the warm, sweet comfort of a freshly baked Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe. These cookies bring simple ingredients and classic flavors together in a way that feels both nostalgic and dazzlingly delicious. Next time you want to wow friends or simply treat yourself, give this recipe a try — I promise it’ll become a beloved favorite in your home just like it is in mine.

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