Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, then you absolutely must try these Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. These charming cookies are the perfect marriage of rich, creamy peanut butter dough rolled in sparkling sugar, crowned with a shiny chocolate kiss that almost feels like a little celebration in every bite. They’re a timeless treat that brings warmth and comfort, whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve something truly delightful. The Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors with a texture that’s tender, slightly chewy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms couldn’t be easier, and the beauty lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a special role—from the creamy peanut butter that delivers that signature nutty flavor, to the granulated sugar that gives the cookies a sweet crunch on the outside, and, of course, the Hershey Kisses that add the perfect finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these crowd-pleasers.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for structure, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates that classic soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides that iconic, rich peanut buttery taste and moist texture.
• Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Adds creaminess and richness without extra salt.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with a slight crisp on the exterior.
• Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed): Offers a hint of molasses flavor and tender chewiness.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and aids in structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and makes the dough easy to handle.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Extra Granulated Sugar (for coating): For rolling the dough balls before baking to create a sparkling crust.
• Hershey Kisses: The star topping that melts slightly, adding chocolaty goodness and charm.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This simple mix is crucial because it ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly risen, tender cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until everything is smooth and evenly blended. This step is where the magic begins, creating a luscious base that promises a rich and flavorful cookie.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl now and then to make sure every bit gets mixed well. This part adds the moisture and binding elements that hold your cookie dough together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixes

Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture. This slow incorporation is key to avoid overworking the dough and keeps the cookies tender and soft.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Transfer your cookie dough to a sealed container or cover your mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough so the cookies spread just right while baking, resulting in that perfect bunch of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Step 6: Prep for Baking

Once chilled, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Position your oven rack just above center, then preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper prep here means even baking and cookies that come out beautifully golden.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat

Use a spoon and clean hands to roll your dough into one-inch balls. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar until fully coated. Then, place them about 1.5 to 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, so they have room to spread without merging.

Step 8: Bake and Add Hershey Kisses

Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges begin to set and crackle just a bit. Remove from the oven and gently press a milk chocolate Hershey Kiss into the center of each warm cookie, creating that iconic blossom shape.

Step 9: Final Bake

Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This step melts the kisses slightly and ensures they stick beautifully to your cookies, completing the look and flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps the texture set perfectly so each Classic Peanut Butter Blossom is tender with just the right amount of give.

Step 11: Store Properly

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh for up to one week. The bread trick helps maintain moisture and keeps your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms tasting like they’re fresh from the oven every time.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Garnishes

While the traditional kiss topping is unbeatable, you can add a sprinkle of finely chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to elevate the visual appeal and add a texture contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a festive touch without overpowering the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms pair delightfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For gatherings, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance their richness, turning them into a truly satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a decorative platter shaped like a flower, highlighting their blossom-inspired name. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane with a colorful ribbon makes for charming homemade gifts. For parties, build a cookie platter layered with nuts and chocolate chunks to showcase the peanut butter’s versatility.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of fresh bread to the container helps maintain their chewy softness for several days. This method ensures each bite remains as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to baking time. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully—wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, warm them gently in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. This reheating enhances the softness of the peanut butter dough and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast with little bits of peanuts in the dough. Just keep in mind the cookies might be slightly less smooth but just as delicious.

What type of chocolate works best for the kisses?

Milk chocolate Hershey Kisses are the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled kisses to put a unique spin on your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1 for flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture on point.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the fats and allows the flavors to meld, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and delivers that signature tender yet chewy texture characteristic of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms.

How long do the cookies keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread, the cookies stay fresh and soft for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

Baking Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms is such a joy, and I can’t recommend them enough. They bring a beautiful balance of comfort and celebration to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends, gifting them, or just indulging yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to make your day sweeter. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this beloved classic—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without them!

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