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Peanut Butter Blossom cookies are a timeless treat combining soft, chewy peanut butter dough with the sweet surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled on top. These cookies bring warm nostalgia and a festive flair to any baking occasion. Their perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and sugary sweetness makes them a beloved classic year round.
I first baked these for a holiday party, and everyone kept asking for more. Now they are my go to gift and comfort cookie whenever I want to share something special.
Ingredients
- Allpurpose flour: ensuring light and tender cookies fresh and wellsifted for better texture
- Baking soda: helps the cookies rise just right for that perfect chew
- Softened butter: creates richness and moisture room temperature recommended for easy mixing
- Creamy peanut butter: adds that classic peanut flavor and creamy texture
- Lightly packed brown sugar: gives a deep molasses sweetness
- Sifted powdered sugar: balances the texture and sweetness
- Large egg: at room temperature helps bind and tenderize the dough
- Vanilla extract: adds warm aromatic notes choose pure extract for the best flavor
- Granulated sugar: for rolling creates a sweet slightly crunchy exterior
- Unwrapped chocolate kisses: melt into the cookie tops for the signature finish
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together allpurpose flour extra flour baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these early evenly distributes rising agents and salt for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cream Wet Ingredients:
- Using a stand mixer or bowl beat softened butter brown sugar powdered sugar and peanut butter until fluffy and light in color. This process incorporates air contributing to the cookies’ soft texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients and Chill Dough:
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix just until combined to avoid developing too much gluten which can toughen cookies. Cover the dough and refrigerate for one hour which chills the fats making it easier to shape and resulting in better baked cookies.
- Shape and Roll Cookies:
- Form dough balls about one inch across slightly smaller than a golf ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a delicate crisp coating. Arrange them spaced apart on parchment lined sheets. For different variations roll in powdered sugar for crinkle style or create thumbprints for jam centers. Chill the shaped cookies for firmness before baking.
- Preheat Oven:
- Bring oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 Celsius) to ensure even baking and the right rise.
- Bake Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for about twelve minutes until they look set but still soft in the center. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie so it melts slightly and adheres perfectly. For thumbprint cookies add indentation again after baking. Cool for ten minutes on the sheet before transferring.
- Cool and Finish:
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If making thumbprints fill centers with jam or preferred fillings once cooled. Crinkle cookies should cool on the baking sheet first to maintain their cracked tops.
Peanut butter is my favorite ingredient because it brings natural saltiness and depth to the sweetness. Once my grandmother shared her secret recipe variations but the classic peanut butter and chocolate kiss combo stole our hearts every time.
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to a week. To keep longer freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag and thaw gently before serving. Dough balls can also be frozen and baked fresh as desired.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use natural peanut butter but reduce added salt if unsalted. For chocolate kisses mini chocolate chips or chunks can be used but might not melt the same. Brown sugar can be swapped for coconut sugar for a different caramel note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with cold milk or hot cocoa for the ultimate comfort combo. These cookies also pair nicely with plain yogurt for a sweet treat or garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt for balance.
These Peanut Butter Blossom cookies are perfect for gifting or enjoying any day. Enjoy them warm with a glass of cold milk.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What makes these cookies soft and chewy?
The combination of creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar creates a moist dough that stays soft after baking. Chilling the dough also helps maintain a tender texture.
- → Why roll the dough balls in sugar before baking?
Rolling the dough in sugar adds a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft interior of the cookies.
- → When should the chocolate kisses be added?
The chocolate kisses are gently pressed into the cookies immediately after baking while still warm, allowing them to melt slightly and adhere to the tops.
- → Can the dough be chilled overnight?
Yes, chilling the dough overnight can enhance flavor development and help with shaping the cookies before baking.
- → Are there alternative toppings besides chocolate kisses?
Thumbprint cookies can be topped with jam or other fillings, and rolling them in powdered sugar can create a crinkle effect for variety.