Description of this recipe
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a classic holiday treat, and for good reason! These soft, chewy peanut butter cookies, rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, are a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors that are sure to please everyone. This recipe provides instructions for the classic cookie and adds a fun twist for Christmas, transforming the cookies into miniature Christmas trees with a simple frosting decoration.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with this Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie recipe because it’s:
- Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are always a hit at parties, gatherings, and cookie exchanges.
- Festive and Fun: The Christmas tree variation adds a touch of holiday cheer to the classic cookie, making them even more irresistible.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate creates a flavor symphony that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by using different types of chocolate, adding sprinkles, or experimenting with other flavorings.
Ingredients:
Cookies
- ½ cup butter flavored Crisco
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar, {for rolling}
- 24 unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses
Christmas Peanut Butter Blossom Trees
- ¼ cup vanilla frosting
- 2-3 drops green food coloring
- 2 Tablespoons rainbow nonpareils
- 24 small star sprinkles
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Prepare your baking sheets by lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter-flavored Crisco, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together until they are well blended and the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a softer cookie.
Step 3: Add the egg to the peanut butter mixture and continue to mix until it is fully incorporated. Ensure that the egg is completely combined to avoid any separation in the dough.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough will be thick, which is normal.
Step 6: Using a medium cookie scoop or approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, form balls of dough. Roll each ball in your hands to make it smooth and round.
Step 7: Roll each ball of dough in granulated sugar, coating it evenly. This adds a sweet, crunchy exterior to the cookies.
Step 8: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 9: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies just start to crack. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from overbaking.
Step 10: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 11: Gently move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 12: While the cookies are cooling, unwrap the Hershey’s Kisses.
Step 13: Once the cookies are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it adhere to the cookie.
Step 14: To set the chocolate and prevent it from melting, place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended, especially if you live in a warm climate.
Step 15: Remove the cookies from the freezer and enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
To Make Christmas Tree Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the green frosting by placing the vanilla frosting in a small bowl and adding 2-3 drops of green food coloring. Stir until the frosting is evenly colored.
Step 2: Transfer the green frosting to a small Ziploc bag and cut a very small triangle from one corner of the bag. This will create a makeshift piping bag.
Step 3: Starting at the bottom of a Hershey’s Kiss, pipe a swirl of green frosting that circles around the chocolate kiss and stops at the very top.
Step 4: Place a star sprinkle on the very top of the kiss, embedding it in the green frosting.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining green swirl with rainbow nonpareils.
Step 6: Let the frosting set up completely before serving. This will prevent the decorations from smudging.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for family and friends.
- Pair them with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.
- Package them in decorative tins or boxes for gifting.
- Create a festive dessert platter with a variety of holiday cookies and treats.
Tips:
- For best results, use room-temperature butter-flavored Crisco and peanut butter.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling.
- To prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much, chill the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes before adding them.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other toppings to the cookies for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
8-10 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Calories:
Approximately 150-200 per cookie
Protein:
2-3 grams per cookie
Sodium:
50-75 milligrams per cookie
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a timeless classic that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The addition of the Christmas tree decoration adds a festive touch, making them perfect for spreading holiday cheer. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delicious and delightful cookies!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use regular butter instead of butter-flavored Crisco?
A: While butter-flavored Crisco adds a unique flavor and texture to the cookies, you can substitute it with regular butter. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may be slightly different, as butter has a higher water content than Crisco. If using butter, make sure it is softened to room temperature for best results.
Q2: Can I use a different type of nut butter besides peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nut butters, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Keep in mind that the flavor of the cookies will change depending on the type of nut butter you use, so choose one that you enjoy.
Q3: How do I prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting too much when I press them into the cookies?
A: To prevent the Hershey’s Kisses from melting excessively, try chilling the cookies in the freezer for a few minutes before adding them. This will help firm up the cookies and prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly. Alternatively, you can place the Hershey’s Kisses in the freezer for a few minutes before unwrapping them.
Q4: Can I freeze the peanut butter blossom cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze very well. Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. For best results, freeze the cookies without the Hershey’s Kisses and add them after thawing. The cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q5: What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
A: If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to work with. You can also lightly flour your hands or the rolling surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
