Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible cookies that evoke childhood memories and satisfy the sweetest cravings? Then look no further! This recipe for Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Blossoms delivers perfectly soft peanut butter cookies with a decadent chocolate kiss nestled in the center. These are not just cookies; they're little pockets of happiness, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. This easy recipe is ideal for homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that's surprisingly quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 36 milk chocolate kisses
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step will make cleanup a breeze!
Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins! A stand mixer works wonders, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer will do the trick just as well.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture might seem a little thick, but don't worry; that’s exactly how it should be.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern on top of each ball. This adds a rustic touch and helps the cookies spread evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so it’s always a good idea to start checking a little early.
Add the Kisses: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a milk chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat from the cookies will melt the chocolate slightly, creating that perfect, gooey center.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if they last that long!).
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms:
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of your peanut butter will significantly impact the taste of your cookies, so don't skimp on this ingredient!
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined and then stop.
- Chill the dough (optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Variations:
- Dark Chocolate: Swap the milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate kisses for a richer, more intense flavor.
- Peanut Butter Chips: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips to the dough for extra peanut butter goodness.
- Different Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delicious nutty twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-170
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-18g
These easy recipes for healthy meals, or at least a healthy-ish treat, are perfect for quick dinner ideas or a delightful dessert. Enjoy these delicious dishes, a truly wonderful addition to your repertoire of best recipes! Baking these simple cookies is a great way to practice your homemade cooking skills, resulting in a batch of undeniably satisfying peanut butter blossoms.