Peanut Butter Blossoms: Classic Holiday Cookie Recipe Perfect for Festive Baking

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms: The Perfect Holiday Cookie

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic as homemade peanut butter blossoms during the holiday season. That magical combination of tender peanut butter cookie crowned with a chocolate kiss creates the perfect balance of flavors that has made this recipe a beloved classic for generations.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
• Uses natural peanut butter for authentic taste
• Soft, chewy texture with chocolate center
• Easy to make – great for baking with kids
• Classic holiday favorite that never goes out of style

Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

• ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup white granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Small bowl for sugar rolling
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms from Scratch

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, ½ cup white sugar, softened butter, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until fully combined and fluffy.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Place about ¼ cup of additional white sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
7. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon (about 1 tablespoon per cookie). Roll each portion into a ball, then roll in the sugar to coat completely.
8. Place the cookie balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the centers still appear soft.
10. Remove from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, gently pressing down until the cookie cracks slightly around the edges.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tip for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

For the best results, unwrap all your chocolate kisses before the cookies come out of the oven. This way, you’ll be ready to press them into the cookies while they’re still hot and soft. The warmth of the cookie will slightly melt the bottom of the kiss, helping it adhere properly without falling off once cooled.

Nutritional Information

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Storage: Store cooled peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and to protect the chocolate kisses.

Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead Dough: You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls.

Variations on Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate peanut butter cookie base.
• Almond Butter Blossoms: Substitute almond butter for the peanut butter for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Festive Holiday Blossoms: Roll the cookie dough in colored sugar or sprinkles instead of white sugar for a festive holiday touch.
• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate kisses instead of milk chocolate for a more intense chocolate experience.
• Caramel Surprise: Use chocolate kisses with caramel centers for an extra sweet surprise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Blossoms

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, your butter might be too warm. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing new batches of dough on them.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter works well in this recipe if you prefer some extra texture in your cookies.

When is the best time to add the chocolate kiss?

Add the chocolate kiss immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven while they’re still hot and soft. This allows the kiss to slightly melt at the bottom and adhere to the cookie properly.

Why did my chocolate kisses melt too much?

If your kisses are melting too much, your cookies might still be too hot. Let the cookies cool for about 1 minute before adding the kisses, or consider freezing the kisses for 30 minutes before using them.

Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these peanut butter blossoms are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. The combination of tender peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss is simply irresistible!