Introduction to Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Why Peanut Butter Blossoms are a Holiday Favorite
Classic peanut butter blossoms hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially during the holiday season. Imagine soft, warm cookies that offer a rich, peanut buttery taste combined with the delightful surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled right in the center. It’s no wonder why these cookies become a staple at holiday gatherings!
One of the reasons for their popularity is the combination of textures and flavors. The smooth creaminess of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the melting sweetness of chocolate, creating a blissful bite that’s irresistible. Plus, they’re simple to make, so you can whip up a batch even if you’re short on time.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different types of sprinkles or even try using alternatives like almond butter for a twist. Do you prefer a nut-free option? You can switch in sunflower seed butter, making them inclusive for everyone at the table.
For tips on baking gluten-free options or arranging beautiful holiday cookie plates, you'll find plenty of resources online. And remember, the joy of baking is not just in creating the cookies but in sharing them with loved ones, creating sweet memories that last a lifetime.
So let’s get started on making your very own classic peanut butter blossoms! Happy baking!
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Essential ingredients for the perfect cookie
Creating classic peanut butter blossoms starts with a selection of essential ingredients that ensure the right texture and flavor. You’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: 1 and ¼ cups will give your cookies the perfect structure.
- Baking soda and salt: Just the right pinch of each elevates the cookie's flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: These sugars provide that lovely sweetness and chewy texture.
- Large egg: This binds everything together.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show—choose your favorite brand for the best flavor!
- Pure vanilla extract: A teaspoon adds depth to every bite.
Optional ingredients to enhance flavors
While the essentials are crucial, feel free to jazz things up with a few optional ingredients:
- Sanding sugar: Use this to coat your cookies for a festive touch. A mix of green and red would be ideal for the holiday season.
- Chocolate kiss candies: This iconic topping is non-negotiable, but why not experiment with different flavors?
For additional inspiration, you might want to explore alternatives like natural peanut butter or even swapping in almond butter for a unique twist!
Ready to dive into baking these delicious cookies? Let's get started!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Making classic peanut butter blossoms is a delightful experience that brings a tempting aroma and cheerful flavors right into your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to create soft and chewy cookies that everyone will love!
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before diving into mixing and baking, it’s essential to have all your ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped
Take a moment to measure everything precisely. Using the right measurements ensures your cookies will turn out perfectly!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout your mixture. Set this bowl aside; we’ll come back to it later!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on high speed for about one minute until it’s creamy. Add in your brown sugar and granulated sugar, then switch to medium-high speed. Beat everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined, about two minutes. The texture should be light and fluffy.
Mix in the Peanut Butter and Egg
Add the peanut butter and egg to the creamed mixture. Continue to beat until it’s fully integrated; this should take about another minute. The peanut butter gives these cookies their signature flavor, so make sure it’s evenly mixed in!
Incorporate the Dry Mixture
Gently add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Your dough will be creamy and soft, perfect for shaping later on. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour—this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Bake the Cookies
Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats (a must for cookies!). Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and roll each ball in sugar before placing them three inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until you see slight cracks on top.
Adding the Chocolate Kisses
After baking, pull the cookies out and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes. Here’s a fun trick: after this brief cooldown, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Letting them set in the freezer for ten minutes will help keep the chocolates from melting completely.
These classic peanut butter blossoms are now ready to serve! They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long. Enjoy this wonderful treat with your friends, family, or even as a solo snack while you unwind!
Variations of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms
For a decadent twist on classic peanut butter blossoms, try adding chocolate to the dough! Replace half of the peanut butter with cocoa powder for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter flavor. You can also use a chocolate kiss or even a gooey caramel center for a surprise treat!
Nut-Free Adaptations
If you’re looking for a nut-free version, don’t worry! Substituting peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or Biscoff spread creates an equally delicious cookie without the allergens. Check out my sparkle sweetheart cookies for another fun take!
These variations not only maintain the charm of the classic recipe but also cater to different dietary needs, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ensuring the Perfect Texture
To achieve the ideal texture in your classic peanut butter blossoms, remember to chill the dough for at least an hour. This step not only enhances flavor but also ensures your cookies remain thick and chewy. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly underbake them, allowing them to finish cooking on the baking sheet while they cool. And don’t forget to use creamy peanut butter; it creates a smooth consistency that brings the whole cookie together beautifully.
Storage and Freshness Tips
To keep your classic peanut butter blossoms fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them! Baked cookies can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For an easy guide on freezing cookie dough, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Serving Suggestions for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Creative Serving Ideas
When it comes to enjoying your classic peanut butter blossoms, think outside the cookie jar! Here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert game:
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the blossoms on a festive platter, alongside other holiday treats like peppermint bark or sugar cookies for a delightful dessert table.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn your blossoms into indulgent ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
- Garnish with Sprinkles: For a colorful twist, sprinkle some crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles on the chocolate kisses right after you press them into the cookie.
Pairings with Beverages
What's better than a soft, peanut buttery cookie? Enjoying it with a delicious drink! Consider these perfect pairings:
- Milk: The classic choice! Whether you prefer whole, almond, or oat milk, the creamy texture complements the peanut butter blossoms perfectly.
- Coffee: A hot cup of coffee—black or with a splash of cream—offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Herbal Tea: For a lighter touch, try pairing the cookies with a warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to balance the richness.
For more great beverage recipes that can complement your cookies, check out Serious Eats for inspiration!
Time Breakdown for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Preparation Time
Making a batch of classic peanut butter blossoms is a delightful experience, and it begins with a prep time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes the necessary chilling period for the dough, ensuring your cookies are perfectly soft and chewy.
Cooking Time
Once you're ready to bake, the cooking time is quick and efficient at around 12 minutes. You'll love how your kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly baked cookies in no time!
Total Time
All in all, you're looking at a total time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish. It's a simple and enjoyable process that rewards you with 24 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing during the holiday season or any occasion!
Feel free to check out more tips on timing your baking process here. Are you excited to indulge in these sweet treats? Let's get baking!
Nutritional Facts for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Calories per cookie
Each classic peanut butter blossom contains approximately 95 calories, making it a delightful treat that’s easy to indulge in without too much guilt.
Protein content
You'll find around 2.5 grams of protein per cookie. With creamy peanut butter as a key ingredient, these cookies provide a tasty way to add a little protein to your sweet snacks.
Sugar amount
These cookies have about 6 grams of sugar each. While they are definitely a treat, you can enjoy them in moderation, knowing they satisfy those sweet cravings without going overboard.
For more insights into healthy baking alternatives, check out this comprehensive guide on sugar substitutes that can help you make more balanced choices!
FAQs about Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
How do I prevent my chocolate kisses from melting?
To ensure your chocolate kisses stay perfectly intact, chilling the cookies is essential! After pressing the kisses onto the warm cookies, place the tray in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This quick chill helps set the chocolate without it melting into a gooey mess. Trust me; your cookies will look amazing and taste even better when you nail this step!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If you're freezing, just scoop the dough into balls and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven—no need to thaw, just add an extra minute to the baking time!
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your classic peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing baked cookies. Just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enjoy them up to 3 months later!
Conclusion on Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Final thoughts and encouragement to try the recipe
As you wrap up your baking adventure, I encourage you to indulge in these classic peanut butter blossoms. Their irresistible blend of sweetness and rich peanut butter flavor will surely bring smiles to your kitchen. Whether for the holidays or just a casual treat, this recipe is a delightful must-try! Happy baking!
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Silicone spatula
- baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour [spooned & leveled](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-measure-baking-ingredients/)
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter [softened to room temperature](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/room-temperature-butter/)
- 0.5 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 0.75 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 24 pieces chocolate kiss candies unwrapped
Coating
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups green sanding sugar optional
- 0.25 cups red sanding sugar optional
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on high speed until creamy. Switch to medium-high speed and beat in the brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar until completely creamed and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a silicone spatula as needed. Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract and beat until combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until combined. The dough will be very creamy and soft. Cover and chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, and up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside. Also, make sure there’s room in your freezer because the cookies will need to be placed inside to prevent the chocolates from melting.
- Scoop and roll cookie dough, about 1 heaping Tablespoon of dough each. Roll each ball in the ½ cup of sugar (or sanding sugar) and arrange on the baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the tops begin to slightly crack. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Press a chocolate kiss candy into the center of each, then, using a thin spatula, immediately transfer the cookies to a large plate or a few smaller plates (gently—they’re soft). Place the plate(s) of cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes to quickly set the chocolate in the cookie.
- Remove from the freezer and serve.
- Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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