Winter is here, and the holiday season is near. The peanut butter blossom cookie is a classic favorite. Its smell reminds us Christmas is coming.
These cookies are a holiday tradition. They mix soft peanut butter cookies with creamy chocolate kisses. They’re easy to make, perfect for family baking.
These cookies are great for everyone, whether you’re experienced or new to baking. They’re easy to make and always a hit. Let’s make some festive cookies together!
The Story Behind Classic Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
Peanut butter kiss cookies, also known as peanut butter blossoms, have a rich history. They started in the 1950s. A Hershey’s Kiss recipe was first published in a women’s magazine in 1957.
This recipe quickly became popular. It became a favorite in many American homes.
The recipe is simple. It uses peanut butter cookie dough. The dough is rolled into balls, baked, and then topped with a Hershey’s Kiss.
The mix of soft, nutty cookie and creamy chocolate is loved by many. It’s a flavor that has lasted for years.
Over time, the recipe has changed a bit. Now, you can find different chocolates, toppings, and even gluten-free or vegan versions. But the core recipe remains the same. This shows how much people love it.
Now, peanut butter kiss cookies are a holiday tradition. They are on cookie platters and in gift baskets all season. They are easy to make and loved by many. They are a must-have for holiday cookie exchanges.
Why These Peanut Butter Blossoms Are Holiday Favorites
Peanut butter kiss cookies are loved by many during the holidays. They are a favorite in many homes. It’s clear why they are so special.
What Makes These Cookies Special
The mix of soft peanut butter dough and creamy chocolate is amazing. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The look of these cookies, with a Hershey’s kiss on top, adds to their charm.
Perfect for Gift-Giving and Cookie Exchanges
Peanut butter blossoms are great for holiday gifts. They are a thoughtful gift for anyone. The recipe is easy, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Kid-Friendly Baking Project
These cookies are fun for kids to make. They get to press chocolate kisses into the dough. It’s a fun way to make holiday memories and teach kids to bake.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Butter Blossoms
To make the best peanut blossoms, pick the right ingredients. You need the perfect peanut butter and the best chocolate kisses. Each part is key to making a soft, chewy, and delicious cookie.
Choosing the Right Peanut Butter
The base of peanut blossoms is peanut butter. Choose a smooth, creamy peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Natural peanut butter is great because of its rich flavor. Don’t use chunky peanut butter, as it changes the dough’s texture.
Chocolate Kiss Selection Tips
The chocolate kiss on top is crucial. Go for high-quality milk chocolate kisses that are smooth and velvety. Don’t use dark chocolate or small kisses, as they can mess up the peanut butter taste.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake delicious peanut blossoms. They’re perfect for any occasion, like a holiday or a cozy afternoon with slow roasted italian. These classic cookies are a favorite among bakers.
Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms Step-by-Step Recipe
Making peanut butter blossoms is a fun holiday activity. It brings happiness to any party. Follow this easy recipe to make perfect peanut butter blossoms every time.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, beating until the mixture is well combined.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, gently pressing down to secure it in place.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful peanut butter blossoms, a classic holiday treat. They are sure to delight your family and friends. The soft peanut butter cookie and creamy chocolate kiss are a perfect pair.
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Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms: Perfect Holiday Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until well combined.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in a bit of granulated sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Add the Chocolate
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is perfectly normal!
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Time Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Before you start baking your yummy peanut butter blossoms, make sure you have the right tools. We’ll look at the basic and some extra items that will help a lot.
Must-Have Baking Essentials
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few sturdy, medium-sized bowls for mixing the dough and rolling the cookies.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: A reliable electric mixer will make quick work of creaming the butter and sugar together.
- Baking sheets: Invest in some high-quality baking sheets or cookie sheets to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These will help your peanut butter blossoms release easily from the baking sheets.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key for consistent results when baking these buttery, peanut-y treats.
- Spatula or cookie scoop: A sturdy spatula will help you transfer the dough balls to the baking sheets, while a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizing.
Optional Helper Tools
While the basics above are enough, some extra tools can make baking more fun and efficient:
- Cooling racks: These will allow your freshly baked cookies to cool completely before adding the chocolate kisses.
- Candy thermometer: If you’re feeling adventurous, a candy thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the melted chocolate for the perfect consistency.
- Mini muffin tin: Using a mini muffin tin can help you create perfectly shaped, bite-sized peanut butter blossoms.
- Food processor: For a super smooth peanut butter, consider using a food processor to create your own homemade version.
With these tools, you’ll be ready to bake delicious peanut butter kiss cookies. They will surely make everyone happy.
Expert Tips for Soft and Chewy Results
Getting the perfect soft and chewy texture in your peanut butter blossoms is easy. Just follow a few simple steps. I’ve baked many times and I’m excited to share my secrets with you.
First, check the temperature of your ingredients. Make sure your butter and eggs are room temperature. This makes the dough mix better and keeps it soft.
When mixing, don’t overdo it. Too much mixing can make the cookies tough. Just mix until everything is combined gently. This keeps them soft and yummy.
Baking time is very important. Don’t bake them too long. Take them out when they’re a bit soft in the middle. They will get firmer as they cool.
Also, be careful with the dough balls. Don’t squeeze them too hard. Roll them gently and leave space between them on the baking sheet.
Follow these tips and you’ll make the best peanut butter blossoms. They’ll be soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Kiss Cookies
Baking perfect peanut butter kiss cookies is fun. But, watch out for common mistakes. I’ve learned a few tricks to make my kiss cookie recipe and peanut butter kiss cookies always great.
Temperature Control Tips
Temperature control is key when baking these cookies. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking. If it’s too hot, cookies might spread too much or crack.
If it’s too cool, cookies won’t bake right. They might be dense and dry.
Timing and Storage Solutions
- Watch the baking time closely. Cookies that are overbaked can be hard and crumbly. Underbaked ones are too soft and fragile.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them stay in shape.
- Store your peanut butter kiss cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and chewy.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make perfect kiss cookie recipe every time. Enjoy baking and enjoy the yummy results!
Creative Variations of Traditional Peanut Blossoms
The classic peanut butter blossoms are a holiday hit. But, you can make them your own in many ways. This recipe is perfect for adding a special touch or meeting dietary needs.
Want to try something new? Swap the chocolate kiss for other treats. Hershey’s Hugs, peanut butter cups, or caramel candies can surprise you. The choices are endless!
Need something healthier? Use natural peanut butter or almond butter. These changes make your cookies special and healthy.
Get creative with decorations too! Add sprinkles, slow roasted italian nuts, or chocolate drizzle. Your cookies can be a work of art.
Baking for a holiday or just because? Try new peanut butter blossoms recipe ideas. Your loved ones will love it, and you’ll have fun making it.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Cookies Fresh
Keeping your homemade peanut butter kiss cookies fresh is key. Follow these easy tips to enjoy them at their best.
Countertop Storage
For a short time, keep your cookies on the counter. Put them in an airtight container or bag. They’ll stay soft for up to 5 days. Store them away from sunlight and heat.
Refrigerator Storage
For longer storage, the fridge is best. Put the cookies in a container or bag and chill them. They’ll last up to 1 week. Let them warm up before eating for the best texture.
Freezer Storage
For even longer storage, freeze them. Place cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, put them in a container or bag. Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Countertop | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these tips, your cookies will stay fresh and tasty. Enjoy them all season long.
Freezing and Make-Ahead Instructions
Baking peanut butter blossoms is a fun holiday tradition. But sometimes, life gets too busy. Luckily, you can freeze these classic cookies to save time. I’ll show you how to freeze the dough or the baked cookies.
Proper Freezing Techniques
To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and put them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, move them to an airtight container or bag. This way, you can bake them straight from the freezer.
For baked cookies, let them cool completely. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze.
Thawing Methods
When you’re ready to thaw your frozen peanut butter blossoms, it’s easy. For the dough, just put the frozen balls on a baking sheet. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake as usual.
For baked cookies, take the wrapped stack out of the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge. After thawing, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
With these easy steps, you can enjoy homemade peanut butter blossoms all year. Bake a batch, freeze them, and enjoy the yummy peanut butter and chocolate flavors whenever you want.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Enjoying a few peanut butter kiss cookies can be fun. But, knowing the nutritional facts is key. Each kiss cookie recipe makes about 24 cookies. Here’s what each cookie has:
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 65mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are tasty but should be eaten in small amounts. Aim for one to two cookies at a time. This way, you can enjoy their creamy taste without overdoing it.
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 65mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
Troubleshooting Your Peanut Butter Blossoms
Baking can be like a science experiment. Making peanut butter blossoms can have its challenges. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you fix any problems.
One common issue is cookies that spread too much. This makes them look flat and not so good. To stop this, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, check your oven temperature and keep it at 350°F.
Another problem is cookies with cracks or craters. This can happen if the dough is overbaked or has too much sugar. To avoid this, watch your baking time and use a bit less sugar. The cookies should be almost set when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
