“`html
There is something truly heartwarming about a batch of freshly baked peanut butter cookies topped with a glossy chocolate heart, and that’s exactly what you get with this Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe. Perfectly tender with a hint of salt, these cookies marry the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet kiss of chocolate, making them the ideal treat to share with someone special or to indulge in yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe combines simplicity with delightful flavors and an irresistible festive touch that will make Valentine’s Day extra sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe keeps things simple but never sacrifices flavor. Every ingredient plays a key role, creating a balanced texture and that classic peanut butter and chocolate combo we all crave.
- 1.33 cups flour: King Arthur all-purpose flour is my go-to for a reliable, tender crumb in every bite.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: This helps your cookies rise perfectly, giving them a lovely lightness.
- 3/8 tsp salt: A small amount enhances sweetness and balances the peanut butter flavor wonderfully.
- 8 tbsp butter (softened): Room temperature butter creams easily with sugar, creating a smooth dough and rich taste.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel depth to the cookie’s flavor.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Works with brown sugar to provide that perfect sweetness and helps crisp the edges.
- 1 egg: Binds the dough together while adding tenderness.
- 3/4 cup peanut butter: I recommend Jif creamy for its smooth texture, but any creamy peanut butter works beautifully.
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract: Brings out warmth and intensifies the flavors.
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling): This extra sugar creates a slight crunch and a pretty coating on your dough balls.
- 28 chocolate hearts: Ghirardelli chocolates are my favorite here, offering a richer, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1/4 tsp flaked sea salt: A sprinkle on top enhances the chocolate and peanut butter, adding a gourmet twist.
How to Make Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent texture and flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This process traps air, helping your cookies rise and become delightfully tender.
Step 3: Add Egg, Peanut Butter, and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This creamy blend will give your cookies that iconic peanut butter richness and flavorful body.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—stir just until you no longer see streaks of flour to keep your cookies tender but structured.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing excess spreading during baking.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into one-inch balls and then roll each ball gently in the additional sugar, coating thoroughly for a sparkling finish and slight crunch.
Step 7: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are just set but the center still looks soft.
Step 8: Press Chocolate Hearts and Sprinkle Salt
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press one chocolate heart gently into the center of each cookie. While still warm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaked sea salt on top to elevate all those sweet and savory flavors.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the tray for several minutes so the chocolate sets slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These beauties are best enjoyed fresh but store well for several days.
How to Serve Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra flaked sea salt just before serving adds a delightful contrast to the sweet chocolate hearts and peanut butter goodness. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a romantic, snowy effect that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. For a more decadent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich, nutty flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe on a heart-shaped platter or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon to make charming gifts. Turning them into little stacks tied with twine also makes a thoughtful edible present that’s as adorable as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them away from heat and moisture to maintain that perfect balance of soft centers and crisp edges.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—be sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them briefly in a preheated 300°F oven. This brings back the melty chocolate center and soft, comforting texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter gives the cookies a lovely additional texture. Just be aware it might slightly change the softness of the cookie.
What if I don’t have flaked sea salt?
You can substitute with a very light sprinkle of kosher salt or even omit it. The salt topping accentuates the flavors but isn’t mandatory for a delicious cookie.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough well before baking is crucial, and using room temperature butter rather than melted butter helps keep the shape intact.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few swaps—like using a flax egg and vegan butter or coconut oil—it’s possible to make a vegan version, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different from the classic.
How long will the cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for up to four days at room temperature, but they’re usually gone by then anyway!
Final Thoughts
This Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe has that perfect mix of nostalgia, flavor, and festive charm that makes it a must-try anytime you want to celebrate love with a homemade treat. From the tender peanut butter base to the glossy chocolate heart and just the right touch of salt, every bite feels like a little celebration. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some joy for your special someone or yourself—you won’t regret it!
“`
Print
Quick Valentine’s Day Peanut Blossom Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these delightful Quick Peanut Blossom Cookies. Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar, each topped with a rich chocolate heart and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect sweet and salty balance. Easy to make and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.33 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur brand recommended)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/8 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tbsp butter, softened to room temperature (about 70°F)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif preferred)
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling the dough balls)
- 28 chocolate hearts (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 1/4 tsp flaked sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and 1/4 cup sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, peanut butter, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated to form a soft dough.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball in the 1/4 cup sugar to coat.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Add Chocolate Hearts: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press one chocolate heart into the center of each warm cookie.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a small pinch of flaked sea salt on top of each chocolate heart for enhanced flavor contrast.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and a tender cookie texture.
- Using creamy peanut butter yields a smoother cookie; chunky peanut butter can also be used for added texture.
- If chocolate hearts are not available, substitute with chocolate kisses or small chocolate candies.
- Flaked sea salt enhances the sweet and salty flavor profile but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
