Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

If you grew up in the Midwest or have ever attended a holiday cookie swap, chances are you’ve tasted the irresistible charm of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. These iconic cookies feature a soft, chewy peanut butter base crowned with a melty milk chocolate Hershey Kiss, making every bite nostalgia-inducing and absolutely delightful. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe brings warmth and joy to any kitchen. Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms has a starring role, from the nutty richness to the perfect chewy texture. Don’t be tempted to swap or skip—these classics shine when you let every component do its job.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, keeping them soft but not crumbly.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies a gentle lift, ensuring they’re just puffy enough.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the biscuit that lends a nutty flavor and a moist, tender texture.
• Unsalted Butter (room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the cookies a slight crunch when rolled before baking.
• Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and extra chewiness to the cookie base.
• Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
• Milk: Just the right amount for added moisture and softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Offers warmth and balances the overall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (for coating): Rolling the dough balls in this sugar gives the cookies a signature sparkle and delicate crust.
• Hershey Kisses (11 oz bag): The crowning glory—gooey chocolate centers that make these blossoms truly special.

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 step ensures your leavening and seasoning are perfectly distributed, so every bite is balanced. Set this mixture aside for a quick grab when you’re ready to combine wet and dry.

Step 2: Cream the Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. This creamy mixture is what makes Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms so irresistibly tender—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides as needed. These additions add richness and moisture, turning your peanut butter mixture into a smooth, luscious batter that’s ready for the flour blend.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mix into the wet ingredients, lowering the mixer speed to avoid flour storms in your kitchen. Blend just until everything comes together and no dry spots remain—overmixing can toughen your cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and chill it for at least an hour. This quick rest helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll—plus, it intensifies the peanut butter flavor and keeps your blossoms thick and puffy.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Pans

Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats and position your oven rack just above center. Preheat to 375°F so it’s hot and ready as soon as you start shaping those cookies.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar the Dough Balls

Scoop out heaping teaspoons of chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls with your hands. Roll each ball generously in granulated sugar—this extra step gives every Classic Peanut Butter Blossom its trademark sparkle and sweet finish.

Step 8: Bake and Top with Kisses

Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes until just set (they’ll puff but not brown). Immediately press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie—the edges will crack beautifully around the chocolate. Pop them back in the oven for 2 more minutes to let the chocolate sink in and get just a little melty.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes (they’re fragile while hot!), then move to a wire rack. The blossoms will set up as they cool, and the chocolate centers will hold their shape perfectly.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and keep those chocolate kisses from drying out. Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for sharing—or savoring with a tall glass of milk!

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Garnishes

While the iconic Hershey Kiss is the jewel of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt just before baking for a fancy touch, or even add colored sugar for a festive look. If you’re feeling extra, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can dress them up for the holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside cold glasses of milk, cups of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter, pair Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms with simple shortbreads, snickerdoodles, or fudgy brownies for a well-rounded treat plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your blossoms in concentric circles on a pretty plate, tie up a few in clear treat bags for easy gifting, or set them on a decorative cake stand for that “wow” factor at your next party. Their shape also makes them ideal for stacking in cookie towers or tucking into festive tins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Tucking a simple slice of white bread in with the cookies helps lock in moisture so every bite stays soft and delicious.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze cooled cookies in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Pop a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms with a gooey chocolate center, zap them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. This gently warms the cookie and Kiss, giving you a “fresh from the oven” experience even days later.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can swap in crunchy peanut butter for more texture, but keep an eye on the dough’s consistency—it may be a touch drier and will have a bit less of that classic, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Why do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is key for helping the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading in the oven. It also enhances the flavor and gives you those signature bakery-style cracks around the Hershey Kiss!

Can I use different chocolate candies on top?

Definitely! While Hershey Kisses are traditional for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, you can swap in mini peanut butter cups, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled chocolates for a fun twist.

Do these cookies work well for gifting or shipping?

Yes! Because Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms stay soft and sturdy, they make excellent holiday gifts and hold up well when packed for shipping. Just make sure to layer with parchment paper to keep the kisses looking neat.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you need a bigger batch for parties or cookie exchanges, you can double this recipe with no trouble. Just make sure your mixer and fridge are big enough for the extra dough.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as charming as it is delicious, you can’t go wrong with Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. Every bite is a sweet blend of nostalgia and home-baked comfort—so why not bake up a batch and make your kitchen smell like pure joy? Happy baking!

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