The combination of soft, chewy peanut butter cookies and rich, smooth milk chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. Peanut Blossoms are a beloved classic, bringing together the comforting taste of peanut butter with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of nutty flavor and creamy richness, making them an irresistible treat for cookie lovers of all ages.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or an everyday sweet indulgence, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Rolling the dough in sugar adds a delightful crunch, while pressing a Hershey’s Kiss into the warm cookie creates a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, these Peanut Blossoms will always be a hit
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 36 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each in the additional granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 105 kcal per cookie | Servings: 36 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Peanut Blossoms: A Timeless Classic
Peanut Blossoms are an iconic cookie that has graced holiday dessert tables for generations. With their perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate, these cookies offer a nostalgic taste that is both comforting and delicious. If you’ve never tried making them before, or if you’re looking for the ultimate Peanut Blossoms recipe, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know—from the history of the recipe to baking tips, variations, and why these cookies are an all-time favorite.
The History of Peanut Blossoms
Peanut Blossoms first gained widespread popularity after they were submitted to the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest in 1957. The original recipe was created by Freda Smith of Ohio, who had intended to make peanut butter cookies but decided to press a Hershey’s Kiss into each cookie while they were still warm. The result was an instant hit—soft, chewy peanut butter cookies with a delicious chocolate center.
Although her recipe did not win the grand prize in the competition, it quickly became a household favorite. Over the years, Peanut Blossoms have become synonymous with holiday baking, appearing at Christmas cookie swaps, Thanksgiving gatherings, and other festive occasions.
Why Peanut Blossoms Are So Popular
1. Perfect Flavor Combination
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter pairs beautifully with the smooth, creamy sweetness of milk chocolate. This contrast creates a cookie that is both indulgent and satisfying.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture
One of the best things about Peanut Blossoms is their irresistible texture. The cookie itself is soft, slightly chewy, and coated in a light layer of sugar, which adds a delicate crunch. When warm, the Hershey’s Kiss in the center begins to soften, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
3. Simple and Easy to Make
Peanut Blossoms require minimal ingredients and are easy to prepare. Even beginner bakers can achieve great results by following a few basic steps. The dough is simple to mix, and shaping the cookies into balls is a fun activity for both kids and adults.
4. Great for Holiday Baking
These cookies have become a staple of holiday baking traditions. Their festive appearance, delicious flavor, and easy-to-make nature make them ideal for cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, and even homemade gifts.
5. Endless Variations
While the classic recipe calls for milk chocolate kisses, there are many ways to customize Peanut Blossoms to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can experiment with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates. There are also gluten-free and vegan adaptations that allow everyone to enjoy this classic treat.
How to Make the Best Peanut Blossoms
To achieve perfect Peanut Blossoms every time, follow these expert tips:
1. Use High-Quality Peanut Butter
For the best flavor and texture, choose a creamy peanut butter that doesn’t separate easily. Natural peanut butter can be too oily and may affect the structure of the cookie.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help control spreading and ensure that the cookies maintain a nice, rounded shape.
3. Roll in Sugar for a Classic Crunch
Rolling the cookie dough balls in granulated sugar before baking adds a slight crunch and enhances the overall sweetness of the cookies.
4. Add the Hershey’s Kiss Immediately After Baking
Pressing the chocolate into the warm cookie helps it soften just enough to adhere but not melt completely. Allow the cookies to cool fully so that the chocolate firms up again.
5. Store Properly for Maximum Freshness
Peanut Blossoms stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Variations and Customizations
While the original Peanut Blossoms recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun variations to try:
1. Dark Chocolate Peanut Blossoms
Swap out the milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss for a dark chocolate version to add a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the peanut butter.
2. White Chocolate Peanut Blossoms
For a sweeter twist, use white chocolate kisses or drizzle white chocolate over the cookies after they have cooled.
3. Gluten-Free Peanut Blossoms
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Almond Butter or Sunflower Butter Substitutes
For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. If you prefer a different nut flavor, almond butter works beautifully as well.
5. Holiday-Themed Peanut Blossoms
Make these cookies festive by using Hershey’s Kisses in holiday flavors, such as peppermint, caramel, or sugar cookie. You can also use red and green sugar for rolling to add a holiday touch.
Why Peanut Blossoms Are the Best Cookies for Any Occasion
Peanut Blossoms are more than just a holiday cookie—they are a year-round delight that can be enjoyed at any time. Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a birthday party, or a casual weekend treat, they are always a hit.
- For Families: This recipe is fun to make with kids, as they can help roll the dough and press the chocolates into the cookies.
- For Gifts: Peanut Blossoms make for a thoughtful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or wrap them in cellophane bags for a sweet surprise.
- For Cookie Lovers: If you love classic cookies, this recipe is a must-try. It combines the best of peanut butter cookies and chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible bite.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Blossoms have stood the test of time for good reason. Their simple yet perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate, their soft and chewy texture, and their easy-to-make nature make them a favorite in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re continuing a long-standing family tradition or making them for the first time, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a classic cookie that never goes out of style!
Conclusion
Peanut Blossoms are more than just cookies—they are a timeless treat that combines the best of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite. Their soft and chewy texture, paired with the rich, creamy sweetness of a Hershey’s Kiss, makes them an irresistible classic that has been loved for generations. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies never disappoint.
Beyond their delicious flavor, Peanut Blossoms are easy to make, fun to customize, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Their nostalgic charm and festive appeal make them a staple in holiday cookie trays, while their simplicity ensures they remain a go-to recipe year-round. No matter how you choose to enjoy them—fresh from the oven, stored for later, or gifted in a beautifully wrapped tin—these cookies are sure to bring joy to every bite.
So, why not bake a batch today? Whether you’re continuing a cherished family tradition or trying them for the first time, Peanut Blossoms are a treat that will always leave you wanting more!