Oh, hey there, cookie lovers! Let me tell you about a little something I like to whip up when I’m craving some comfort and nostalgia in the kitchen – Peanut Butter Blossoms! These delightful little cookies bring back so many sweet memories from my childhood. I remember baking them with my mom during the holidays, the smell of peanut butter wafting through the house while we would eagerly wait for the chocolate kisses to melt just enough. Is there anything better than the combination of peanut butter and chocolate? I think not!
These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re practically an event. With their cute little chocolate tops and a sugary crunch, they’re sure to brighten up any gathering, whether it’s a family get-together or a simple afternoon snack. Plus, they’re easy to make! So let’s put on our aprons and dive into this fun and scrumptious recipe.
What’s in Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Peanut Butter: The star of the show! I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this recipe, but crunchy can add a fun texture. Just make sure you measure it out nice and level!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key in these beauties. The regular granulated sugar also gives the cookies a lovely exterior crunch when rolled.
Brown Sugar: Packed for extra moisture and a touch of caramel flavor, brown sugar makes these cookies just a little more special.
Eggs: They act as a binder in the dough, creating a rich, chewy texture. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla is like adding a warm hug to the dough. It just elevates the flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps give the cookies their structure and balance out the moist ingredients.
Baking Soda: This little leavening agent helps the cookies rise ever so slightly and keeps them light.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those lovely flavors, because who doesn’t love a little salty balance to sweet?
Chocolate Kisses: The pièce de résistance! Make sure they’re unwrapped and ready to top off those cookies with chocolatey goodness.
Additional Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough, this adds a beautiful sparkle and crunch to the outside.
Is Peanut Butter Blossoms Good for You?
Now, let’s chat health. While I wouldn’t exactly call these a health food, they do have their benefits!
Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter brings some nutritional value to the table. Plus, it’s a mood booster – just think about all those times you’ve sunk your teeth into a peanut butter cookie!
On the flip side, there’s the added sugars and fats from the cookies, so moderation is key if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake. I find that baking these treats is well worth the occasional indulgence.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chocolate kisses (unwrapped)
– Additional granulated sugar for rolling
*Yields about 24 cookies*
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup – yay!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This is where the magic happens – mixing in that dry goodness!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix! You want a thick, rich dough.
6. Now, it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then coat each ball in granulated sugar.
7. Place those sugary balls onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, because they will spread!
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Don’t let them get too hard – you want them soft!
9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, letting that chocolate melt a bit.
10. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Suggestions for Serving
These Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or just to have around the house when you need a little pick-me-up! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for several days – if they last that long! Don’t be afraid to play with different chocolates in the center, like caramel-filled or hazelnut chocolates for a little twist.
I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do! Every bite transports me back to those magical moments in the kitchen with my mom. Give them a try, and let me know how yours turn out, okay? Happy baking!
