Oh, the joy of making Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms! These delightful cookies are a staple in my holiday baking lineup, and they never fail to bring a smile to my face. The combination of creamy peanut butter and that sweet chocolate kiss on top is simply irresistible. I remember baking these with my family as a kid, the kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of warm cookies wafting through the air. It’s a tradition that I cherish, and I know once you try these, they’ll become a beloved classic in your holiday celebrations, too!
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice!)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated, for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 egg (large, make sure it’s at room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure is best for that rich flavor)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (to give the cookies structure)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps them rise and stay soft)
- Chocolate kisses (unwrapped, I usually go for milk chocolate, but dark chocolate works too!)
How to Prepare Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. If you skip this step, your lovely peanut butter blossoms might not rise as beautifully, and we definitely want those perfect little craters for the chocolate kisses!
Mix Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get to work! Start by combining the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer to mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. It should look creamy and well-blended—no lumps allowed! Then, gently fold in the flour and baking soda. Just mix until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, and we want our cookies to be melt-in-your-mouth soft!
Shape the Cookies
Next, it’s time to roll the dough into balls! I usually go for about 1 inch in diameter—think slightly smaller than a golf ball. Once rolled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave a couple of inches between each ball. They’ll spread out a bit while baking, so give them some room to breathe!
Baking and Adding Chocolate Kisses
Pop those cookie trays into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them—they should be set but still soft in the middle. As soon as they come out, gently press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will melt the kisses just enough to make them stick. Let them cool on a wire rack, and trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips I swear by! First, be sure to use room temperature ingredients, especially the egg, as it helps create a smooth batter. For an extra soft texture, don’t overbake the cookies; they should look just slightly underbaked when you take them out. And don’t forget to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge! Trust me, these cookies will be gobbled up, so you’ll want to keep them safe!
Variations on Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up your Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms! For a delightful crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans right into the dough. If you’re a chocolate lover, why not mix in some chocolate chips or use dark chocolate kisses instead of the classic milk chocolate? For a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can even experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, to give your cookies a unique twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Each Christmas Peanut Butter Blossom is a delightful treat, and here’s what you can expect nutritionally per cookie (estimates may vary):
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
These little gems are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common ones:
How long do these cookies last? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about two weeks!
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer; you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
What can I substitute for sugar? You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or even a sugar substitute designed for baking if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option!
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes! Just make sure it’s drippy and well-mixed, as natural peanut butters can vary in consistency.
What if I can’t find chocolate kisses? No worries! You can use any chocolate candy or even chocolate chips. Just make sure they’re placed in the center while the cookies are still warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Classic flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate that everyone adores.
- Festive and fun, these cookies are sure to impress at any gathering.
- Perfectly soft and chewy with that delicious chocolate kiss surprise.
- Great for kids to help with—rolling the dough is a blast!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies and Christmas Cookies Recipe.
Print
Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms are classic holiday cookies with a chocolate kiss center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour and baking soda, then mix until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a twist, add chopped nuts to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms, Holiday Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies