Oh my goodness, is there anything better than the smell of cookies baking, especially when the weather outside is frightful? I think not! For me, the holidays just *aren’t* the holidays without a mountain of delicious, homemade cookies. And, you know, the best part? They don’t have to be complicated! That’s where these amazing Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite come in. They’re super easy, unbelievably delicious, and seriously, a total crowd-pleaser.
I swear, every year since I was a kid, these have been a star at every cookie exchange, family gathering, and even just a cozy night in by the fire. I’m telling ya, people *expect* them! They’re that good. I’ve been baking for over 20 years now (yikes, where *did* the time go?), and sharing my favorite recipes is my absolute jam. So, get ready to whip up a batch of these beauties – you won’t regret it!
Why Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite Are a Holiday Must-Make
Okay, listen, you *need* these cookies in your life this holiday season, seriously! They’re:
- Ridiculously easy: Seriously, even if you’re a total baking newbie, you got this!
- Insanely delicious: That combo of peanut butter and chocolate? Pure magic.
- Always a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves them. Trust me on this one.
- Perfect for any occasion: From cookie swaps to gifting (or just eating them all yourself – no judgment here!).
Honestly, they’re the easiest way to spread some serious holiday cheer. Plus, they look so festive with those little chocolate kisses perched on top!
Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Alright, so here’s what you need to make these little drops of heaven. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet – no complicated stuff here! You’ll probably have a lot of this already tucked away in your pantry. Be sure to pay attention to these notes so that your cookies come out perfect:
- 1 cup creamy, *smooth* peanut butter – no chunky peanut butter, it won’t work the same, trust me!
- 1 cup granulated sugar – the regular stuff, nothing fancy.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – I always pack mine down nice and tight!
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – gotta get that perfect cookie rise
- ½ teaspoon salt – a little bit to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 large egg – just one, so easy!
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – pure vanilla, not imitation, for the best flavor!
- Chocolate kisses – you’ll need enough to top each cookie, so grab a whole bag.
See? Told ya it was simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Okay, let’s get down to the fun part: actually making these beauties! Don’t be intimidated; it’s super simple. You’ll have perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be golden. I’ve made these a million times, so I’ve got your back on this!
Prepping the Dough for Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
First things first, let’s get that dough ready. In a big bowl (I like to use a stand mixer, but a hand mixer works too!), cream together your peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure that the peanut butter is nice and softened, this is important! Then, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until everything is *just* combined. Don’t overmix! You want a nice, smooth dough – overmixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that. Trust me on this!
Baking Your Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite to Perfection
Now, let’s get those cookies baking! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. I like to use a cookie scoop for this, but your hands work just fine. Next, roll each ball in granulated sugar – it gives them a pretty sparkle! Place the sugar-coated balls on a baking sheet, leaving a little room between each one. Pop those beauties in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You want them to be just set, not browned. They’ll still be a little soft when you take them out.
Adding the Finishing Touch: The Chocolate Kiss
Here comes the *best* part! As soon as those cookies come out of the oven, *immediately* press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. Be careful; they’ll be hot! The heat from the cookies will soften the chocolate, making it perfect. Once the kisses are in, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Those kisses will harden up just perfectly. And, that’s it! Enjoy!
Tips for Success: Making the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Want to make sure your Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite are absolutely perfect? Here are a few tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years. First up, don’t skimp on the peanut butter! I always use a good quality, creamy peanut butter. Second, make sure your kisses are fresh, and, well, *unwrapped*. Next, be sure to not overbake them, because the cookies will keep baking after you get them out of the oven. And finally, if you’re feeling fancy, try chilling the dough a bit before rolling into balls. It really helps them hold their shape. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!
Variations on Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Okay, so once you’ve mastered the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite, which you totally will, it’s time to get creative! The fun thing about cookies is that you can tweak things and make them your own. Instead of the classic Hershey’s Kisses, try dark chocolate kisses, or even peppermint ones for a festive twist! You could also get fancy and chop up some peanuts or walnuts and add them to the dough for extra crunch. And hey, a little almond extract instead of vanilla? Wowza! You’ll be creating a whole new level of deliciousness, wow!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
So, you want to get a head start, eh? Smart cookie! Good news: these Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite are totally make-ahead friendly. You can totally whip up the dough a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge, all wrapped up nice and tight. Just let it sit out for a bit before rolling into balls, so it’s easier to work with.
Once baked, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a good few days… if they last that long, of course! Honestly, mine never do! You can even freeze them. Just put the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things I get asked about these Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite all the time. Hopefully, these will help you bake a perfect batch!
Can I use natural peanut butter for these cookies?
You *can*, but I don’t really recommend it. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make your dough a little oily, and the cookies might not hold their shape as well. Stick with the classic, creamy kind for the best results. It’s really the way to go for this recipe!
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I substitute?
Hmm, that’s a tough one! The brown sugar adds a certain chewiness and depth of flavor that’s really key. If you absolutely *have* to substitute, you *could* try using a mix of granulated sugar and a tablespoon or two of molasses, but it won’t be quite the same.
How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting when I press them in?
Making sure to get the kisses on there right after the cookies come out of the oven is key! If you find the chocolate is melting *too much*, try popping the baking sheet in the fridge for a minute or two before adding the kisses. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate – if it’s too hot, the cookies might melt the chocolate too quickly.
Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite
Just a heads-up: the nutritional info below is just an estimate. It can change depending on the brands and ingredients you use. Also, there might be slight variances with oven temperatures as well. But hey, it’s a good idea of what you’re getting!
Get Baking! Share Your Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite Creations
Okay, now it’s your turn! I absolutely *love* seeing pictures of everyone’s baking creations. So, please, pretty please, share your Peanut Butter Blossoms — Winter Cookie Favorite with me! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, and let me know how they turned out. Happy baking, friends!