Peanut Blossom Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cookie Perfection
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible peanut blossom cookies? These delightful treats combine the classic comfort of peanut butter cookies with the delightful surprise of a chocolate kiss nestled in the center. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring perfectly baked cookies every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing delights!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 peanut blossom cookies. Adjust accordingly if you need more (or less!) of these delicious treats.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 24 Hershey's Kisses (milk chocolate or your favorite variety)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Bake Like a Pro!
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly baked peanut blossom cookies:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This is best done using an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you’re feeling strong!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The batter should be smooth and well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Step 5: Press in the Kisses
Press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie ball. Gently press it down so it's slightly embedded in the dough.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection!
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Peanut Blossom Cookie Success:
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your cookies will be greatly enhanced by using good quality peanut butter and chocolate kisses.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes.
- Get creative with variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate kisses, add nuts to the dough, or use a different type of peanut butter (like crunchy peanut butter!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze peanut blossom cookies?
A: Yes! Once completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much?
A: Try chilling the dough before baking, or slightly reduce the baking time.
Q: Can I use other types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate kisses, caramel kisses, or even other candies.
Enjoy your delicious homemade peanut blossom cookies! They are perfect for holidays, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
