Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe: Your Guide to Nostalgic Perfection
There are some delightful treats that instantly transport you back to cherished childhood memories, and for many, the humble yet irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom cookie stands proudly at the top of that list. These soft, tender, and chewy peanut butter cookies, each crowned with a perfectly melted Hershey’s chocolate kiss, are more than just a dessert; they’re a bite of pure, comforting nostalgia. It’s nearly impossible to resist the timeless, universally loved combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet, rich chocolate.
I vividly recall these delightful cookies gracing every potluck table and filling almost all holiday cookie platters when I was growing up. Their cheerful presence was a sure sign of celebration and warmth, and I always gravitated towards them, eager to grab one (or two!). That simple, yet profoundly perfect, marriage of flavors—the salty-sweet earthiness of peanut butter harmonizing with the smooth, melting chocolate—was, and still is, utterly captivating. It’s a combination that stands the test of time, appealing equally to both children and adults, making these Hershey’s Kiss peanut butter cookies a true crowd-pleaser.
While countless variations of peanut butter cookies exist, the Peanut Butter Blossom holds a uniquely special place due to its iconic Hershey’s Kiss center. This particular recipe adheres closely to the classic Hershey’s recipe itself, a testament to its enduring popularity, simplicity, and consistently foolproof nature. I wholeheartedly believe it’s a recipe worth sharing and revisiting time and time again. Consider this your friendly reminder to whip up a batch, whether these classic peanut butter blossoms are a long-time favorite you haven’t baked in a while, or you’re about to experience their joy for the very first time. Each cookie offers a delightful contrast in every bite: soft and tender on the inside, with a pleasant crunch from the sparkling sugar coating, and that satisfyingly gooey, creamy chocolate center that just melts in your mouth.
The Enduring Appeal of This Classic Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
What precisely makes these classic peanut butter cookies so universally beloved? It’s their inherent simplicity combined with an unforgettable flavor and texture profile that resonates with almost everyone. There’s no need for elaborate techniques, fancy equipment, or exotic ingredients here; this is a straightforward, delicious easy peanut butter cookie recipe that consistently delivers exceptional results. The magic truly lies in the fundamental components, which are likely staples in your pantry: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, and of course, plenty of rich, creamy peanut butter. And, without question, the star of the show – the iconic Hershey’s Kiss candy, nestled perfectly in the center of each cookie, creating its signature “blossom” look.
Each ingredient plays a crucial, well-defined role in creating the perfect blossom cookie. Unsalted butter provides richness, moisture, and tenderness, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience. A careful blend of brown and granulated sugars ensures both a soft, chewy interior and that delightful crisp edge, especially when combined with the external granulated sugar coating that gives the cookies their sparkle. Eggs bind everything together and add essential structure, while vanilla extract deepens and enhances the overall flavor profile. All-purpose flour gives the cookies their necessary body and structure, baking soda ensures a soft, slightly puffy texture with those characteristic cracks, and a touch of salt perfectly balances the sweetness, making the deep peanut butter flavor truly pop. When these humble ingredients come together in this time-tested method, they create something truly extraordinary – a cookie that’s both deeply comforting and wonderfully celebratory.
Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Achieving bakery-quality Peanut Butter Blossoms at home is simple with a few key considerations:
- Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: Ensure your butter and egg are brought to room temperature before you begin. This crucial step allows them to cream together more easily and thoroughly with the sugars, creating a smoother, more emulsified dough. The result is a more consistent texture in your baked cookies and better flavor distribution.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt), mix them into the wet ingredients only until they are just combined. Overmixing can lead to the development of gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dense cookies rather than the desired soft and tender texture.
- Don’t Skimp on the Sugar Coating: Be generous when rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar. This coating not only adds a beautiful, sparkling finish but also provides a delightful textural contrast with a slight crunch. More importantly, it helps create those signature, charming cracks on the cookie’s surface as it bakes and expands.
- Timing for the Kisses is Crucial: This is arguably the most important step for the “blossom” effect! Immediately upon removing the hot cookies from the oven, gently but firmly press a Hershey’s Kiss (or your chosen candy) into the center of each cookie. The residual heat from the freshly baked cookie will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly and create that iconic, slightly softened chocolate center. If you wait too long, the cookies will cool and firm up, preventing the kisses from melting nicely.
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: While this recipe is quite forgiving, using a good quality, creamy or crunchy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) will yield the best flavor and texture. Avoid using natural peanut butter that separates easily, as its oil content and consistency can alter the dough’s texture and lead to drier or greasier cookies.
- Proper Cooling: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes after adding the kisses. This allows them to set up slightly before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the delicate, warm cookies from breaking and the still-soft chocolate from smearing.
Customizing Your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: Beyond the Classic Kiss
While the traditional Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kiss is quintessential to the authentic Peanut Butter Blossom cookie experience, there’s absolutely no rule against getting creative! This recipe is wonderfully versatile and works beautifully with a variety of small, bite-sized chocolate candies. Experimenting with different centers is a fantastic way to personalize your cookies, cater to diverse flavor preferences, or simply add a fun twist to this beloved classic.
Here are just a few exciting ideas for alternative candy centers to make your homemade peanut butter cookies truly unique:
- Other Hershey’s Kiss Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to milk chocolate! Explore the diverse range of Hershey’s Kisses available. Try Dark Chocolate Kisses for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the peanut butter, White Chocolate Kisses for a creamier, milder touch, or delightful seasonal flavors like Peppermint Kisses during the holidays for a festive twist. Caramel Kisses (Hershey’s Kisses with a smooth caramel center) also add a delightful gooey surprise that pairs perfectly.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Miniatures): For the ultimate double dose of peanut butter goodness, miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are an obvious and incredibly delicious choice. They add even more creamy peanut butter flavor and a satisfying chew.
- Rolos: These caramel-filled chocolates offer a wonderful chewy texture and a buttery caramel note that pairs exceptionally well with the salty-sweet peanut butter dough.
- Dove Chocolates: Small Dove chocolate squares (whether milk or dark chocolate) are renowned for their incredibly smooth and silky texture. They melt beautifully into the warm cookie, adding a touch of elegance and a rich mouthfeel.
- Mini Chocolate Bar Squares: If you have any small squares broken off from a larger chocolate bar (milk, dark, or even flavored chocolate), they can also work wonderfully! Just ensure you break them into appropriate, bite-sized pieces that fit snugly in the cookie center.
- Other Small Candies: Think outside the chocolate box! You could try mini Snickers or Milky Way bites for an extra layer of caramel and nougat, or even a different type of chocolate truffle. The main consideration is ensuring the candy is small enough to fit comfortably in the center of the cookie without overwhelming its size or flavor.
The only real constraint is the size and melting characteristics; if the candy is small enough to fit snugly in the center of the cookie and softens appealingly when pressed into the warm dough, you can absolutely use it! Don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your new favorite twist on this beloved classic.
How to Make These Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a batch of these delightful, chewy peanut butter blossom cookies is a straightforward and immensely rewarding process. The steps are simple enough for even beginner bakers to follow with confidence, yet the results are consistently impressive, making them a go-to for holiday gatherings, school lunches, or simply a comforting treat at home. Follow these easy steps to bring these nostalgic delights to life in your own kitchen.
- Prepare Your Cookie Dough: Begin by following the detailed recipe instructions (found in the comprehensive recipe card below) to create your soft and pliable peanut butter cookie dough. This typically involves creaming together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then incorporating the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla, followed by the dry ingredients. Remember not to overmix the flour.
- Portion and Roll in Sugar: Scoop the prepared dough into uniform rounds. A standard tablespoon-sized scoop works perfectly for creating consistent cookie sizes. Once portioned, roll each dough ball generously in granulated sugar. This step is essential not only for that signature sparkly, slightly crunchy exterior but also helps in achieving the beautiful, characteristic cracks that form on the surface during baking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the sugared dough balls on a prepared sheet pan, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) just until the cookies are puffed, the edges are lightly golden, and you see the beginnings of those delightful surface cracks, usually around 10 minutes. It’s crucial to avoid overbaking to keep them wonderfully soft and chewy.
- Add the Chocolate Kiss: This is the magical moment that transforms a peanut butter cookie into a “blossom”! Immediately upon removing the hot cookies from the oven, gently but firmly press a chocolate kiss (or your chosen candy variation) into the center of each warm cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will expertly soften the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly and create that beautiful, melty “blossom” effect.
- Cool and Indulge: Allow the newly crowned cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This crucial resting period helps them set up and prevents the still-soft chocolate from becoming too runny or breaking if moved too soon. After a few minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, it’s time to indulge in these perfectly balanced, nostalgic treats!
Explore More Irresistible Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookie Creations
The combination of rich peanut butter and decadent chocolate is a match made in culinary heaven, inspiring countless delicious treats beyond just the classic blossoms. If you’re a devoted fan of these iconic flavors, here are a few more irresistible cookie recipes that celebrate this incredible pairing. Each offers a unique texture and taste experience while consistently delivering that beloved peanut butter and chocolate goodness you crave.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies: Indulge in rich, fudgy chocolate cookies generously studded with chopped peanut butter cups for an explosion of flavor.
- Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A naturally gluten-free delight, intensely peanut buttery and packed with gooey chocolate chips, offering a wonderfully dense and chewy texture.
- One Giant Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie: For those moments when you need a truly satisfying, oversized indulgence, this massive cookie is packed with both peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: Enjoy the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate chips in a beautifully soft, wonderfully chewy, and perfectly balanced cookie.
Essential Tools for Baking the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms
Having the right tools can significantly enhance your baking experience, especially when it comes to achieving consistently perfect cookies like these classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. While these cookies are relatively simple to make, a few key kitchen items will ensure your process is smooth, efficient, and that your results are spectacularly delicious every time. From precise measurements to even baking, these essentials will become your trusted companions in the kitchen.
This recipe was originally published January 2012, and has been loved by many ever since.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
- ¾ cup peanut butter, crunchy or creamy (185 grams)
- ⅓ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (75 grams)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (80 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (2 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2 grams)
- 24 Hershey’s chocolate kisses , unwrapped
- About ⅓ cup granulated sugar , for rolling cookies (75 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, peanut butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy, about 4-5 minutes, ensuring to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to incorporate all ingredients. Add the large egg and vanilla extract and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies. Roll the dough by the tablespoon into uniform balls and then roll each ball generously in granulated sugar until it is completely coated. Place these sugared dough balls on the prepared sheet pan, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
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Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cookies are beginning to crack on the surface, look slightly puffed, and the bottoms just begin to turn a light golden brown. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently place an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss in the center of each cookie, pressing it down slightly to allow the warm cookie to hug the chocolate. Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for a few minutes to set up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Store your delicious Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their optimal freshness and soft texture.
Notes