Peanut Blossoms

Peanut Blossoms are a classic cookie that combines the perfect balance of peanut butter, chocolate, and sweetness. These cookies are a delightful treat, featuring a soft and chewy peanut butter dough, complemented by the rich and smooth flavor of milk chocolate Kisses. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a party, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, Peanut Blossoms are sure to please everyone. The simple combination of pantry ingredients creates a cookie that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious, making it a family favorite in many households.

The unique twist of placing a chocolate Kiss in the center of each cookie creates a beautiful visual appeal while enhancing the flavor. The soft, peanut butter-based dough forms a perfect base for the chocolate to melt into, resulting in a sweet, nutty, and chocolaty bite with every mouthful. With a golden-brown exterior and a chewy interior, these cookies offer a satisfying texture and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or served at your next get-together, Peanut Blossoms are a timeless cookie that brings joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Combo

The blend of peanut butter in the dough and a chocolate Kiss on top is an irresistible combination that everyone loves.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly melt-in-your-mouth, making them a crowd-pleaser with their delightful texture.

3. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these cookies quickly, making them ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers.

4. Fun and Festive Appearance

The chocolate Kisses on top create an eye-catching treat that looks as good as it tastes, making them perfect for holiday baking or parties.

5. Perfect for Sharing

These cookies make a wonderful gift or party snack, and their universally loved flavor makes them perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Shortening
• Peanut butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Milk chocolate candy kisses (unwrapped)

Variations

• Use Dark Chocolate: Instead of milk chocolate Kisses, try dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Add Chopped Nuts: If you love extra crunch, add chopped peanuts to the dough for more texture and a deeper peanut flavor.
• Add a Little Cinnamon: Spice up the dough by adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Make Mini Versions: For bite-sized treats, reduce the size of the dough balls and bake for a slightly shorter time.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set this dry mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, shortening, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Milk and Vanilla

Pour in the milk and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, stirring until combined.

Step 5: Beat in the Egg

Add the egg to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well mixed into a smooth dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the edges.

Step 9: Add the Chocolate Kisses

As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped milk chocolate Kiss into the center of each cookie while they are still warm.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Over-Bake: To ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Keep an eye on the edges and remove the cookies as soon as they turn golden brown.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your shortening, peanut butter, and egg are at room temperature to create a smooth, even dough.
• Press the Kisses Gently: Press the chocolate Kisses into the cookies right after baking. Don’t press too hard, as you want the Kisses to gently melt into the cookie without breaking apart.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: To ensure all your cookies are the same size, use a cookie scoop to shape the dough balls.

How to Serve

• Serve with Milk: These cookies are fantastic when paired with a glass of cold milk, which complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors perfectly.
• Add to a Cookie Platter: These cookies are great for a holiday cookie platter or party dessert table.
• Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a clear bag with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cookies will remain soft and chewy.

Freezing

To freeze these cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm. If you have leftover dough, you can freeze it and bake the cookies as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, you can use butter in place of shortening, but the texture might be slightly different, and the cookies may spread more during baking.

2. Can I substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, although the flavor will be different.

3. Can I use dark chocolate Kisses instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate Kisses will add a richer, more intense chocolate flavor to the cookies.

4. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled for 15-30 minutes before baking to help prevent excessive spreading.

5. Can I add other ingredients like raisins or coconut?

Yes, you can add ingredients like raisins, coconut, or even mini chocolate chips to the dough for a personalized touch.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. They will continue to set as they cool, so avoid overbaking them.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake them later. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

8. Can I make these cookies without the chocolate Kisses?

While the Kisses are a key feature, you can skip them if you prefer, or substitute with a different type of chocolate candy.

9. Why do I need to press the Kisses into the warm cookies?

Pressing the Kisses into the warm cookies allows them to melt slightly and adhere better to the cookie.

10. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will give the cookies extra texture, but the overall flavor and consistency of the dough will remain the same.

Conclusion

Peanut Blossoms are a delightful and fun cookie that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a bite-sized treat. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are a sure hit with everyone. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet, chocolatey center, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for later—either way, they’re a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more!

Print