Ah, Peanut Butter Blossoms! Just saying the name brings back some of my sweetest childhood memories. I can almost smell the warm, nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen while my mom whipped these up for special occasions and holiday gatherings. These delightful cookies, topped with a melting Hershey’s Kiss, always put a smile on my face and filled my heart with joy. I mean, who can resist that perfect marriage of peanut butter and chocolate?
What’s more, making Peanut Butter Blossoms is a perfect opportunity for a little bonding time in the kitchen, whether you’re baking with kids or catching up with friends. The mixture of the velvety peanut butter and the sweets is not only quick to whip up but also a joyful experience from start to finish. I’m excited to share this mouthwatering recipe with you!
What’s in Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their delicious flavor and texture. I recommend using creamy peanut butter for a silky smooth consistency, but crunchy can add an extra fun texture!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the dough and gives the cookies their delightful crispness on the outside. Regular ole sugar works perfectly, but organic cane sugar is my go-to for a slightly richer flavor.
Light Brown Sugar: Oh, the molasses in brown sugar adds extra moisture and an irresistible chewiness to the cookies. It’s the secret that takes these from good to absolutely fantastic!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors in the cookies. Always use pure vanilla extract if you can—it’s a game changer!
Egg: This binds everything together while contributing to the rich texture of the dough. I always opt for large eggs for the best results.
Baking Soda: This little guy helps the cookies rise and become all soft and delicious!
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookie. When measuring, I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off; this prevents the cookies from being too dense.
Hershey’s Kisses: The crown jewel of these cookies! They melt beautifully on top and bring that classic touch. Use milk chocolate for the traditional, but feel free to experiment with special editions or dark chocolate for a fun twist!
Is Peanut Butter Blossoms Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health considerations of these cookies. While they are undeniably delicious, moderation is key with sweets of any kind.
Peanut Butter: It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a worthwhile addition to your diet. Just be mindful of the sugar content in store-bought peanut butter; I prefer natural brands that contain just peanuts (and maybe a dash of salt).
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: While sugar brings sweetness, it’s best not to overdo it. These sugars can spike your blood sugar levels, so enjoy these cookies in moderation—maybe just one (or three)!
Overall: Peanut Butter Blossoms are definitely a treat, and like all treats, they’re best enjoyed occasionally rather than as part of your daily routine.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 36 Hershey’s Kisses
– (This recipe yields about 3 dozen cookies)
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). The anticipation of warm cookies baking in the oven is just delightful!
2. In a large bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and egg together until well blended.
3. Add in the baking soda and flour gradually, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for about 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers might look a bit underbaked. (Trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool! 😊)
6. Immediately upon taking them out of the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie—this is where the magic happens!
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Sweet Secret to Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
– Feel free to experiment! If you love nuts, toss in some chopped peanuts or even chocolate chips into the dough.
– Want to switch things up? Try using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a delicious variation.
– For festive occasions, you could opt for different types of chocolate candies to top the blossoms.
– I sometimes like to sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the chocolate kisses right after they come out of the oven—it adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness!
So, there you have it! My beloved Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe, brimming with nostalgia and flavor. I genuinely invite you to give these a whirl the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet. Whether you’re baking for yourself, a gathering, or simply to share with friends, I can assure you, these cookies won’t disappoint. Do let me know how yours turn out—happy baking!