Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe: A Festive Holiday Treat
The delightful aroma of warm peanut butter cookies, each cradling a perfectly melted Hershey's Kiss, is synonymous with holiday baking. These Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic for a reason – they're easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe will guide you through creating these festive treats, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a comforting personal indulgence.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is straightforward and uses readily available ingredients. You'll likely already have most of them in your pantry!
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For the Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy, your preference!)
- 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
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For the Kiss Topping:
- 12 ounces Hershey's Kisses (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Follow these easy steps to create melt-in-your-mouth perfection:
1. Creaming the Wet Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Combining the 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!
3. Shaping and Baking the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This step might get a little messy, but it's worth it!
- Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
4. Adding the Hershey's Kisses:
- Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookie will melt the chocolate beautifully.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving.
Tips and Variations for Extra Deliciousness:
- Chill the dough: For perfectly shaped cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Add chocolate chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
- Experiment with Kisses: Try different varieties of Hershey's Kisses, like caramel, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate!
- Make them festive: Use sprinkles or colored sugars to decorate your Peanut Butter Blossoms for holidays or special occasions.
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By following these simple steps and tips, you can bake a batch of irresistible Peanut Butter Blossoms that will delight your friends, family, and yourself! Happy baking!
