These beloved cookies combine rich, tender peanut butter dough with a chocolate kiss center, creating an iconic holiday treat that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, firmly packed without lumps
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (65-67°F)
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter (use commercial brands like Jif or Skippy for best results)
- 1 large egg, brought to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup (220g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For Rolling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar for coating
- 40 chocolate kisses, unwrapped before baking begins
Essential Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small bowl for rolling sugar
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon measure
- Cooling racks
Instructions:
- Dough Preparation (10-12 minutes):
- Ensure butter is properly softened but not melted
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes)
- Scrape bowl sides frequently
- Add egg and vanilla, beat until fully incorporated
- Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl
- Gradually add to wet ingredients
- Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing
- Chilling Phase (30 minutes):
- Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate to firm dough
- This prevents spreading and ensures proper shape
- Preparation for Baking:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Line baking sheets with parchment
- Unwrap all chocolate kisses
- Place rolling sugar in shallow bowl
- Shaping the Cookies:
- Use 1 1/2 tablespoon portions
- Roll into perfect spheres
- Coat thoroughly in granulated sugar
- Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet
- Baking Process (9-10 minutes):
- Watch for light browning at edges
- Look for slight cracking on surface
- Centers should look slightly underbaked
- Prepare chocolate kisses while cookies bake
- Adding Chocolate Kisses:
- Remove cookies from oven
- Immediately press kiss into center of each cookie
- Press firmly but gently to create classic crinkle pattern
- Don’t move cookies until completely cool
Storage and Presentation Tips:
- Cool completely before storing
- Layer with wax paper in airtight container
- Keep at room temperature up to 5 days
- Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months
Troubleshooting:
- If cookies spread too much: Chill dough longer
- If kisses melt: Let cookies cool slightly before adding
- If dough is too sticky: Add 1-2 tablespoons flour
- If cookies crack too much: Reduce baking time by 1 minute
The perfect peanut butter blossom should have a tender, slightly crackled surface, with a well-defined pattern around the chocolate kiss. The texture should be soft but sturdy enough to hold the chocolate center.