Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: A Classic, Irresistible Treat

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are the ultimate sweet and salty combination—soft, chewy chocolate cookies paired with creamy peanut butter, and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss for a fun and delicious finishing touch. These cookies are a classic favorite, especially during the holiday season, but they’re perfect any time you need a little indulgence.

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a crowd-pleaser, and these cookies are no exception. They’re easy to make, look impressive, and offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the rich chocolate base to the melty peanut butter goodness.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients:

For the cookie dough:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (or more as needed)

For the topping:

• 1 package of Hershey’s Kisses (or any chocolate peanut butter kiss candy)

For rolling:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough balls)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough holds together but isn’t too sticky.

Step 3: Roll the dough

1. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, about the size of a walnut. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated, giving them a nice sparkle before baking.

Step 4: Bake the cookies

1. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and the centers are soft but no longer raw. The cookies will flatten out slightly as they bake.
3. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

1. While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not too hot), gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth of the cookie will help the kiss to stick, but be careful not to press down too hard so the cookie doesn’t break apart.

Step 6: Cool and serve

1. Let the cookies cool completely, allowing the Hershey’s Kiss to set on top. Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed!

Chef’s Tip:

For an extra indulgent treat, try using peanut butter-filled Kisses or even a chocolate-covered peanut butter cup as the topping instead of the regular Hershey’s Kisses. The extra peanut butter flavor will make these cookies even more irresistible!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be made ahead of time. You can bake and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you need to store them longer, freeze the cookies (without the Kisses) for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature, and then add the Kisses just before serving.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture to the cookies, making them a little more rustic. Just keep in mind that the dough might be slightly more challenging to roll into balls due to the peanut pieces.

3. Can I substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with something else?
Yes! You can top these cookies with any chocolate candy of your choice, such as chocolate chips, mini peanut butter cups, or even other flavored Kisses, like caramel or almond.

4. My cookies are spreading too much. What can I do?
If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, it could be that your dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a treat, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Enjoy!