Are you ready to bake some delicious Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies? These treats combine soft, chewy peanut butter dough with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss on top. They are simple to make and perfect for any occasion. In this guide, I’ll share easy ingredients, foolproof instructions, and tips for perfect cookies every time. Let’s dive into the sweet world of Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– 24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Measuring Tips
To make great cookies, you need to measure right. Here are some tips:
– Use the right tools: For dry ingredients, use dry measuring cups. For liquids, use liquid measuring cups.
– Scoop and level: When measuring flour or sugar, scoop the ingredient with the cup and then level it off with a knife.
– Weigh for accuracy: If you have a kitchen scale, weigh ingredients for better results.
– Adjusting servings: If you want more or fewer cookies, double or halve the amounts. Remember to adjust all ingredients equally. For example, if you want 48 cookies, use 2 cups of peanut butter and 2 cups of sugar.
These tips help ensure your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies turn out perfect every time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
– In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
– Use an electric mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy.
– In another bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
– Gradually add this dry mix to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until the dough is smooth.
– Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough, rolling it into balls about 1 inch wide.
Baking Steps
– Roll each dough ball in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Ensure each ball is fully coated.
– Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading.
– Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers to know they are done.
Finishing Touches
– When you take the cookies out, quickly press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
– Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack using a spatula.
– Allow the cookies to cool completely on the rack. Enjoy your tasty treats!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined.
– Proper baking times for chewy vs. crunchy cookies: For chewy cookies, bake for about 8 minutes. For crunchier ones, go for 10 minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Alternatives for creamy peanut butter: You can use natural peanut butter or almond butter. Both add unique flavors.
– Sugar substitutes for a healthier version: Try using coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness.
Presentation Tips
– Attractive serving suggestions: Use a beautiful plate to display your cookies. Arrange them neatly for a nice look.
– Decorative ideas for festive occasions: Add a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top for sparkle. Place extra chocolate kisses around the plate for fun.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can make your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies even more tasty. Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Mix in about half a cup of chocolate chips with the dough for extra sweetness. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can give a nice crunch. You can also play with flavored extracts. Instead of vanilla, use almond extract for a delightful twist. Just add about half a teaspoon to the mix.
Themed Variations
Get creative with holiday themes! For Christmas, add red and green sprinkles on top. For Halloween, use orange and black sprinkles. You can also switch up the ingredients with seasonal flavors. In fall, mix in some pumpkin spice. In spring, try adding lemon zest to brighten the flavor. These small changes make your cookies festive and fun!
Alternative Centers
Changing the center of your cookies can surprise your taste buds. Instead of milk chocolate kisses, use dark or white chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste, while white chocolate adds sweetness. You can also try other candies for the center. Mini peanut butter cups or caramel candies work great. This way, each batch can be unique and delicious!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For added protection, place parchment paper between layers of cookies. This prevents them from sticking together. Avoid leaving cookies out in the open air. This can make them dry and hard.
Freezing Cookies
You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. For dough, scoop and shape balls first. Then, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. After that, store the balls in a zip-top bag. For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temp for a few hours.
Shelf Life
At room temperature, your cookies last about one week. Store them in a cool, dry place. If they smell stale or look hard, they are no longer good to eat. Mold is another sign that cookies have spoiled. Always check your cookies before enjoying them!
FAQs
What is the origin of Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies first appeared in the 1950s. They became popular in America due to their tasty mix of peanut butter and chocolate. The cookie’s signature look comes from the chocolate kiss placed on top. This fun twist made them a favorite for holiday baking and special occasions. Today, you can find these cookies at family gatherings and bake sales.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can make these cookies without eggs! To create a vegan version, use one of these alternatives:
– Flaxseed meal: Mix 1 tablespoon with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
– Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of applesauce. It adds moisture and sweetness.
– Mashed banana: Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana for a fruity twist.
These substitutes work well and keep the cookies soft.
How to achieve chewy cookies?
To make your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies chewy, follow these tips:
– Underbake slightly: Take cookies out when they are just set, around 8-9 minutes.
– Add more brown sugar: Use a bit more brown sugar for moisture.
– Chill the dough: Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
This helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
What can I do with leftover cookies?
Leftover cookies can be enjoyed in many fun ways:
– Chocolate milkshake: Blend cookies with milk and ice cream for a tasty shake.
– Ice cream sandwiches: Place a scoop of ice cream between two cookies.
– Cookie crumbs: Crush stale cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt or desserts.
These ideas help you enjoy every last crumb!
To wrap up, making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies is fun and simple. We covered key ingredients, measuring tips, and steps to bake them perfectly. You learned about common mistakes and how to store your cookies. Don’t forget the many variations to try, like adding chocolate chips or using different candies. With these insights, you can create delicious treats that everyone will love. Enjoy baking and sharing your cookies!
