The holiday season isn’t complete without the sweet scent of homemade cookies wafting through the house, is it? And when it comes to favorites, nothing quite says ‘home’ like those delectable Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms.
How to make Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms
Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms are a popular holiday or party cookie that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss on top. The cookie has a soft, chewy peanut butter base, often made with peanut butter, sugar, flour, and eggs.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter (Choosing a quality brand makes all the difference!)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- About 48 Hershey’s Kisses (Unwrap these beauties ahead of time for easier assembly)
Instructions:
- Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the peanut butter mixture, beating until well blended.
- Form the Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them evenly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, keeping some space between each for expansion.
- Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- Add Hershey’s Kisses: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The heat will slightly melt the base of the chocolate, helping it stick to the cookie.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up again as it cools.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure your cookies are uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookies. Start checking them around the 8-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
- Cooling the Kisses: If you’re in a hurry or if your kitchen is warm, placing the freshly kissed cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes will help set the chocolate faster.
What to serve with
Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms are such an iconic and self-sufficient treat that they stand out on their own at any dessert table. However, pairing them with complementary items can enhance your overall festive or gathering experience, adding layers of flavors and textures that make for an unforgettable treat spread.
1. A Variety of Milk: Serve different types of milk like whole milk, almond milk, or oat milk chilled in quaint little bottles or a clear glass pitcher. The creamy texture and neutral flavor of milk wonderfully cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, offering a classic cookies-and-milk pairing.
2. Coffee and Tea Selection: A coffee bar with espresso, black coffee, and latte options can be a hit. The robust flavors of coffee pair immaculately with the nutty and chocolatey notes of the cookies. Offer a selection of teas as well, such as English Breakfast for a sturdy pairing or a smooth Earl Grey to complement the chocolate. Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can offer a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
3. Ice Cream Station: Peanut butter blossom cookies can be served alongside an ice cream station featuring classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Guests can crumble the cookies on top of their ice cream for a decadent treat. Include some adventurous flavors like caramel or banana to complement the peanut butter and chocolate theme.
4. Other Desserts: Complement these cookies on a dessert table with other small sweets, such as mini cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, or macarons, offering a diverse taste experience. The variety will cater to different palates and make the table more inviting. Fruit tarts or fresh fruit skewers can add a colorful, tangy counterpoint to the rich, sweet cookies, balancing the overall dessert offering.
5. Festive Drinks: Warm, spiced beverages like mulled wine or cider can accompany these cookies during the holiday season. The spices will harmonize with the cookies’ flavor profile. For a more decadent touch, rich hot chocolate with a swirl of whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder makes an indulgent companion to the blossoms.
6. Cheese and Fruit Platter: Though unconventional, a sophisticated cheese and fruit platter can be a delightful accompaniment. Choose mild cheeses and fresh fruits that won’t overpower the cookies. This pairing can work well for an afternoon tea or a casual gathering.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms delightful requires simple ingredients, but sometimes you might miss an item or cater to dietary restrictions.
All-Purpose Flour Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those avoiding gluten, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can replace regular flour directly.
- Almond Flour or Coconut Flour: These can also be used as a gluten-free option but may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Adding an extra egg or more binding agent is advisable since these flours do not behave the same as wheat flour.
Granulated Sugar Alternatives:
- Coconut Sugar: A one-to-one substitute that brings a slightly caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: When using liquid sweeteners, the amount of dry ingredients might need to be increased to reach the desired dough consistency.
Brown Sugar Replacements:
- Coconut Sugar: Also works as a great brown sugar substitute, providing a similar depth of flavor.
- DIY Brown Sugar: Mix white granulated sugar with molasses (1 cup sugar to 1 tablespoon molasses) to mimic the moisture and flavor.
Peanut Butter Options:
- Almond Butter, Cashew Butter, or Sunflower Seed Butter: These can be used in equal amounts and are great for those with peanut allergies. Note that the flavor profile will change correspondingly.
- For a reduced-fat option: Reduced-fat peanut butter can be used, though they may alter the texture and slightly affect the taste.
Egg Alternatives:
- Flaxseed or Chia Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens. This equals one egg and is perfect for vegan options.
- Applesauce: Using ¼ cup of applesauce can replace one egg, adding moisture without the fat, though it may create a slightly denser cookie.
Butter Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil: Can be used in a 1:1 ratio for a dairy-free version, offering a slightly different flavor.
- Margarine: Another direct substitute, but opt for sticks rather than tub versions for better consistency.
- Vegan Butter: For those avoiding dairy, vegan butter replicates the texture and flavor relatively well.
Hershey Kisses Alternatives:
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Placed in the center before or immediately after baking, can offer a similar chocolatey experience.
- Vegan Chocolate Kisses or Dairy-Free Chocolate: These options can be found in specialty health food stores for vegan or dairy-free options.
- Nut Butter: For a completely different take, a dollop of additional nut butter or a nut butter cup can replace the chocolate kiss.
Final Thoughts
Year after year, these Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms bring joy and sweetness into homes, and following these detailed steps and tips will ensure your batch turns out perfectly.
More Hershey Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- About 48 Hershey's Kisses
Instructions
- Prep Work: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the peanut butter mixture, beating until well blended.
- Form the Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them evenly. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, keeping some space between each for expansion.
- Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- Add Hershey's Kisses: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, press a Hershey's Kiss into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The heat will slightly melt the base of the chocolate, helping it stick to the cookie.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will firm up again as it cools.
1 comment
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