Peanut butter blossoms are a classic cookie that brings nostalgia and joy with every bite. They’re the perfect treat for gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate creates a harmonious flavor that is hard to resist. With a soft, chewy texture and a delightful chocolate center, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hershey’s Kisses (approximately 30)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 100
– Protein: 2.5g
– Carbohydrates: 12g
– Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 0.5g
This nutritional information is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Additionally, use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option or replace Hershey’s Kisses with any chocolate candy of your choice.
Serving and Pairings
Peanut butter blossoms are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters for parties and gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overbaking can lead to dry cookies; keep an eye on them in the oven.
- Using natural peanut butter can alter the texture; stick to creamy varieties.
- Not allowing the cookies to cool before adding the chocolate can cause it to melt excessively.
- Not using parchment paper may cause sticking.
- Insufficient mixing can lead to uneven texture.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Experiment with different flavored chocolate for variety.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
- Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make peanut butter blossoms gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan peanut butter blossoms, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and roll into balls.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge before baking.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Conclusion
Peanut butter blossoms are a timeless treat that brings joy to any occasion. With their perfect blend of flavors and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. Try making them today and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade goodness!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Hershey's Kisses approximately 30
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
