Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms are a classic and beloved cookie, especially around Christmas time. These cookies combine the rich taste of Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms with the sweet touch of a chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, making them a delightful treat for any cookie exchange, holiday party, or just a cozy night in. Their simplicity and deliciousness have made them a staple in holiday baking.

 

A Timeless Holiday Treat

These cookies are a festive favorite, bringing together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the chocolatey sweetness of Hershey’s Kisses. They are not only delicious but also fun to make, and their crackly sugar coating and chocolate centerpiece make them visually appealing as well.

 

Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar (plus ¼ cup for rolling)
• ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 36 unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses (a little less than one bag)

 

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal of cookies and cleanup.
2. Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg, milk, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and salt. Use an electric mixer to mix until combined, but be careful not to overmix.
3. Forming the Cookies: Scoop small, tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar placed in a shallow bowl. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them an inch or two apart.
4. Baking: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overbaking; they are best removed from the oven at around 8-9 minutes.
5. Adding the Chocolate: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will melt the chocolate slightly, helping it stick.

 

 

Notes

• Simplicity in Preparation: These cookies are forgiving and don’t require separate creaming of butter and sugars.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freezing the Cookies: Freeze completely cooled cookies with solid chocolate in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking tray, then transfer to a Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

 

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but ensure it’s well stirred as natural peanut butter can separate.

 

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when they are set and just beginning to brown around the edges.

 

Can I use a different type of Hershey’s Kiss?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses for a variety of tastes.

 

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough.

 

 

A Sweet Addition to Your Holiday

Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms are more than just cookies; they are a festive tradition in many households. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday treats for the first time, these cookies are sure to bring joy and sweet satisfaction. So grab your ingredients, and let’s create some holiday magic with these beloved Easy Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies!