There’s something wonderfully familiar about the rich scent of baking cookies filling the air, especially when those cookies feature the beloved combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfect for weeknight treats, weekend baking, or gatherings with family and friends. Their simplicity and comforting flavors make them a great choice for quiet moments at home as well. Let’s explore how easily you can create these delightful cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms
These peanut butter blossoms combine ease and reliability with a delicious balance of flavors. The soft, chewy texture paired with the richness of peanut butter makes for a comfort food masterpiece. This recipe is not only simple to follow but provides practical value for everyday snack cravings or special occasions.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (structure for cookies)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (helps cookies rise)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (enhances flavor)
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature (texture and richness)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (sweetness and texture)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly packed (moisture and flavor)
- 1 Large Egg (binding agent)
- 2 tbsp Milk (adds moisture)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (flavor enhancement)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar, additional amount for coating cookies (finishing touch)
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses (chocolate centerpiece)
How to Make Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms
Step 1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients, making sure your butter is at room temperature to allow for easy mixing.
Step 2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt, ensuring that they are evenly incorporated into your dough, which will contribute to the final texture of the cookies.
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. This should take about a minute, and it’s a crucial step for achieving that soft texture in your cookies.
Step 4. To the creamed peanut butter and butter mixture, add granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Mix until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps to aerate the batter, which is important for a chewy cookie.
Step 5. Next, break in the large egg, and add the milk and vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients until they are just blended into the mixture. You’ll want a uniform consistency without overmixing, as this can affect the cookie’s texture.
Step 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be mindful not to over-mix, as doing so can lead to cookies that are tough rather than soft and chewy.
Step 7. Once your dough is ready, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough about 1 inch in size. Roll each ball in the additional granulated sugar until they are nicely coated. This gives the cookies a lovely sweet crust once baked.
Step 8. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. It’s perfect for multiple cookies to fit on the sheet while also providing a light surface for easy removal.
Step 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges and just starting to turn golden. This ensures the centers remain soft and chewy once they cool.
Step 10. As soon as you take them out of the oven, gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie. The chocolate will melt slightly as the cookies cool, creating that iconic peanut butter blossom look.
Step 11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up a bit while still being soft to the bite.
Serving Suggestions
These Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms can make a delightful addition to breakfast or serve as an afternoon snack. They are perfect for sharing at family meals or gatherings, providing a sweet indulgence that brings everyone together. Leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week, and their comforting flavors make them a go-to treat any time you need a quick pick-me-up.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
- When rolling your dough balls in sugar, be generous for a nice finish.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; slightly underbaking will help maintain a chewy center.
- Don’t skip the resting period after baking, as this helps the cookies set without hardening too much.
- Experiment with baking times if using a different oven for optimal results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter can prevent it from creaming properly with the sugars, leading to denser cookies. Always set your butter out ahead of time to ensure it’s softened.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in a tough texture. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients.
- Incorrect Measuring of Flour: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement: spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off with a knife.
- Not Spacing Cookies Properly: If cookies are placed too close together, they may merge during baking. Always allow a 2-inch space between each dough ball.
- Not Letting Cookies Cool: Removing cookies too soon can cause them to break. A short cooling period on the sheet helps them set before transferring.
- Ignoring the Chocolate: Pressing the chocolate too deeply can lead to it disappearing into the cookie; just a gentle press will suffice for that perfect peanut butter and chocolate balance.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to try crunchy peanut butter for a different texture. You can also experiment with toppings, using different kinds of chocolate or nuts sprinkled on top. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftover cookies, they can be refrigerated if desired, though they may dry out slightly. For longer storage, you can freeze cookies, ensuring they are in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheating them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds can help revive their chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and results in a slightly different texture when baked.
How long does it last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last about a week in the fridge. However, they might dry out as time goes on.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely, you can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough. If freezing the dough, wrap it well in plastic, then place it in a freezer bag. You can bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar, though it may subtly alter the flavor and moisture.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Common issues often stem from measuring inaccuracies or not following the mixing instructions carefully. Overbaking can also lead to a harder texture. Always measure your ingredients accurately and follow the baking time closely.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms creates not only delicious cookies but also a comforting and rewarding experience in your kitchen. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate offers a classic flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or shared with others, they bring a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Enjoy the process and the results equally; the joy of homemade treats is truly special.
Soft & Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Structure for cookies
- 1 tsp Baking Soda Helps cookies rise
- 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter Flavor and moisture
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature Texture and richness
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetness and texture
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly packed Moisture and flavor
- 1 Large Egg Binding agent
- 2 tbsp Milk Adds moisture
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Flavor enhancement
Coating and Decoration
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar, additional amount for coating cookies Finishing touch
- 11 oz Bag of Hershey Kisses Chocolate centerpiece
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F while gathering your ingredients.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until just blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Form balls of dough about 1 inch in size and roll in additional granulated sugar.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set and starting to turn golden.
- Gently press a Hershey Kiss into the center of each cookie immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.