How to Bake Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

How to Bake Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms in Simple English

Who doesn’t love the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies filling the air? It’s even better when those cookies are the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. These delightful treats, with soft peanut butter cookies and a chocolate kiss pressed into the center, have been a favorite for generations. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this simple guide will help you make the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before you begin, gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (180g) creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 48 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

1. Prep Work:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to do before you start mixing the ingredients so that the oven is ready to go when your cookies are.
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
   • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In another 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, as this can make the cookies tough.

4. Shape and Sugar:

   • Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. Then, roll the ball in granulated sugar to coat it lightly.
   • Place the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

5. Bake:

   • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and just set. They should still be a bit soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
   • Once you remove the cookies from the oven, immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting time helps the chocolate kiss to slightly melt and stick to the cookie without losing its shape entirely.
   • Once cooled, the cookies are ready to eat. Share and enjoy your delicious homemade Peanut Butter Blossoms with friends and family!

Tips for the Perfect Cookies:

• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream with the sugars and will help your cookies bake evenly.
• Chill If Needed: If your dough feels too sticky to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate kisses or even miniature peanut butter cups for the center. There are many variations to explore.

Baking Peanut Butter Blossoms is a fun activity that can bring warmth and joy to your home. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just because. By following these simple steps, you can create a batch of these classic, irresistible cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!