Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic Christmas Cookies with a Sweet & Salty Twist Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic Christmas cookies that combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with a delightful sweet and salty twist. Topped with a signature chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic treat.

A close-up of a pile of seven round peanut butter cookies with a light golden-brown color and a swirled pattern on top, each cookie topped with a swirl of darker brown peanut butter cream in the center. The cookies have a slightly cracked texture and are placed on a round black wire cooling rack, all sitting on a white marbled surface with two whole peanuts nearby. In the background, a blurred white plate with more cookies is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  4. Step 4: Scoop out small portions of dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
  5. Step 5: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie may crack slightly around the edges, which is perfect.
  6. Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the chocolate to set without melting too much.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer peanut flavor, try using natural peanut butter, but reduce added salt to balance the taste.
  • Substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate kisses for a different flavor twist.
  • To make the cookies crispier, bake them a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier and prevent spreading.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature. The chocolate topping might soften slightly when refrigerated, so keep the cookies at room temperature if possible.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of round, swirled cookies, each with two layers; the bottom and top layers are light golden brown with a ridged, soft texture, and in the middle is a smooth, darker brown cream. On top of each cookie is a small dollop of the same darker brown cream, shaped like a swirl with a pointed peak. The background shows a blurred white marbled texture with some glittery decorative snowflakes and a glass of milk, creating a cozy and festive feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used and will add a nice texture to the cookies. Just be sure to mix it well with the other ingredients for even distribution.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and either bake immediately or freeze the dough balls. If freezing, bake from frozen adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Print

Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic Christmas Cookies with a Sweet & Salty Twist Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic Christmas cookie featuring a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies are topped with a melty Hershey’s Kiss, creating an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and loved by all.

  • Author: reem
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated to create a smooth dough.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  4. Shape and Roll: Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in extra granulated sugar to coat evenly, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies appear slightly puffed. Immediately after removing from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss gently into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is the desirable texture.
  6. Cool and Set: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate kisses to firm up but not melt excessively. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  • You can substitute peanut butter with a natural or homemade variety for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure the Hershey’s Kisses are unwrapped before pressing into the cookies to avoid melting wrappers.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Christmas cookies, peanut butter cookies, Hershey’s Kisses cookies, holiday desserts

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