Indulge in the classic treat of peanut butter blossoms, where soft, chewy peanut butter cookies meet a delightful chocolate kiss in the center. This nostalgic dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Whether for holiday gatherings or a simple family snack, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your table. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
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
- 1 package chocolate kisses, unwrapped
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 100 calories, 5g of fat, 12g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Additionally, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate kisses for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Serving and Pairings
Peanut butter blossoms are delightful on their own but can be paired with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also complement warm beverages like coffee or hot cocoa, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not chilling the dough can affect the cookie shape.
- Pressing the chocolate kisses too hard can cause them to melt into the cookie.
- Using too much flour can result in dry cookies.
- Not spacing the cookies properly can lead to them sticking together while baking.
Helpful Tips
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry cookies.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for variety.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
- Keep an eye on baking time to prevent overbaking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
FAQs
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative. Both options provide a similar consistency and flavor profile, though they may slightly change the taste of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make peanut butter blossoms gluten-free. Ensure that the other ingredients, like baking soda, are also gluten-free.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and they appear set in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I use mini chocolate kisses?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate kisses can be used for a fun twist and will allow for more chocolate in each cookie.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag.
Conclusion
Peanut butter blossoms are a timeless treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a delightful cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please everyone. With variations and tips provided, you can customize them to suit your taste. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies!
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
- 1 package chocolate kisses unwrapped
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
