Oh, Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies! Just the name sends a wave of nostalgia washing over me. I remember the first time I helped my mom bake these delightful treats in our cozy kitchen. The sweet aroma of baking fresh cookies, combined with the earthy richness of peanut butter, filled the air and created an atmosphere of happiness that I still cherish today. These cookies are just as much a treat as they are a memory-maker. With their signature chocolate Hershey’s Kiss right in the center, they make a perfect companion for a cold glass of milk or even just a warm hug on a chilly day.
What makes these cookies even more special is how incredibly simple they are to whip up! Trust me; you don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to get them right. They’re the kind of cookies that are sure to impress anyone who bites into them, whether it’s friends, family, or that special someone in your life. Plus, they’re a hit during the holidays or any time you need something sweet to share!
What’s in Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
Peanut Butter: The star of this show! I love using creamy peanut butter for a smooth, rich flavor, but chunky works well too if you like a bit of texture.
Sugar: Just your regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the dough, balancing the nuttiness of the peanut butter.
Brown Sugar: This gives the cookies that lovely caramel flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture. Light brown sugar is what I typically use!
Egg: One egg adds moisture and binds everything together so you get that perfect cookie consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes the flavor to a whole new level, elevating the cookie from good to absolutely delightful!
Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the cookies rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cookie dough and provides the structure.
Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: You can’t forget the finishing touch! These little guys add a delicious chocolate burst right in the center of every cookie!
Is Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Good for You?
These cookies bring both joy and a few nutritional benefits!
Peanut Butter: Full of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, peanut butter is not only delicious but also fills you up. Just remember to keep an eye on portion sizes!
Sugar Content: While these cookies are undeniably sweet and indulgent, they’re certainly a treat rather than a health food. Moderation is key here!
If you have dietary restrictions, you might want to consider swapping refined sugar with coconut sugar or using a sugar alternative. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture and taste slightly.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 24 Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses (unwrapped)
*This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing or sneaking an extra one or two for yourself!*
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the **peanut butter**, **granulated sugar**, and **brown sugar**. Mix well until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the **baking powder** and **flour** until just blended. Remember, don’t overmix! You want your cookies to be tender.
5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are slightly soft (they’ll harden as they cool).
7. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a **Chocolate Hershey’s Kiss** into the center of each cookie.
8. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try not to eat them all before they cool down!
A Little Extra Love for Your Cookies
Feel free to jazz things up! Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking, or whirl in some chopped nuts or even mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate or candy to place on top. Who says you need to stick with the classic Hershey’s Kiss? Mix and match for some fun variations!
So, there you have it! I can’t stress enough how much you need to give these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies a try. Whether you’re whipping them up for a gathering, a family night, or just to gift yourself a sweet moment, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures and see how your cookies turn out! Happy baking!