Peanut Butter Blossoms

Desserts American
Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies

Celebrate a classic confectionery pairing with Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies, the iconic "blossom" treat that defines holiday dessert platters and family bake sales. This recipe features a chewy, golden peanut butter base rolled in sugar and topped with a signature milk chocolate kiss for a perfect balance of salty and sweet. By focusing on a precise ratio of creamy peanut butter to high-quality flour, these cookies achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that serves as the ultimate pedestal for their rich chocolate centerpiece.

The secret to mastering these irresistible treats lies in the timing; pressing the chocolate into the heart of the cookie while it is still warm from the oven ensures a secure bond and a slightly softened, fudgy finish. This dependable method utilizes simple pantry staples to create a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike. Whether served as a festive centerpiece or enjoyed as a nostalgic afternoon snack, these cookies provide a professional-grade result that captures the timeless charm of heritage home baking.

⏱️ Total Time: 30 Minutes
📊 Difficulty: Easy
🥣 Yield: 48 Cookies
Nutty Family Favor Homemade

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups unsifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup shortening
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 48 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

    • Method

    • 1. In a large mixer bowl, stir flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add remaining ingredients except for the chocolate kisses and mix at medium speed of electric mixer until well combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
    • 2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll small amounts of dough into 1-inch balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 12 minutes or until light brown. Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie (the cookie cracks around the edge). Repeat with remaining dough.
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    Peanut Butter Blossoming

    Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies, also known as Peanut Butter Blossoms, are a classic American cookie that has been a favorite in households for generations. These cookies are renowned for their delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and a sweet chocolate kiss placed in the center, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

    The origin of these cookies dates back to the 1950s. It is believed that the recipe was first introduced during a baking competition sponsored by the Pillsbury Company. The unique twist of pressing a chocolate kiss into a freshly baked peanut butter cookie quickly captured the hearts of many, earning it a place among the top entries in the contest.

    Since then, Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies have become a beloved treat, especially popular during the holiday season. They are often baked as part of holiday cookie exchanges and are a staple at Christmas gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe, coupled with the nostalgic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, makes these cookies a cherished favorite for both young and old alike.

    Over the years, the recipe has seen various adaptations and creative twists. Some bakers experiment with different flavors of chocolate kisses, while others add a sprinkle of sugar on top for extra sweetness. Despite these variations, the classic version remains the most popular, continuing to bring joy and smiles to those who bake and enjoy them.

    The Chocolate Kiss

    A Hershey's Chocolate Kiss

    A chocolate kiss is a small, bite-sized piece of chocolate shaped like a flat-bottomed teardrop or cone, typically wrapped in distinctive foil. The sweets were first introduced in 1907 by the Hershey Chocolate Company, founded by Milton S. Hershey in Pennsylvania. The origin of the name "Kisses" is not definitively known, but one theory suggests it came from the "kissing" sound the chocolate made as it was deposited during the manufacturing process.

    Initially, Kisses were wrapped by hand in foil. In 1921, a machine was developed to automatically wrap the candies, significantly increasing production. The distinctive paper plume or "niggly wiggly" was added to the wrapper in 1924, helping to distinguish the brand.

    Kisses quickly became one of Hershey's most popular products. They've been a staple in American candy dishes and baking for over a century. Their use in cookies, like the ones in this recipe, became popular in the 1950s.

    The original Kisses were made of milk chocolate, but over the years, Hershey's has introduced many varieties, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, and seasonal flavors.

    Interestingly, the shape of the Hershey's Kiss is so iconic that it was actually trademarked in 1976 - not just the name, but the conical shape itself.

    This recipe showcases how deeply integrated Kisses have become in American baking traditions, transforming from a simple candy to a key ingredient in beloved homemade treats.

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