Anyone that knows me well, knows that these are my favorite holiday cookies. My mom made them for every Christmas Eve growing up and passed the tradition along to me and my little sister. Before developing my own, I only used her recipe…which calls for shortening instead of butter. It’s perfect and I will love it forever, but I’m proud to say that I’m happy with my all-butter version, too. So was the whole Delish team. And so will be Mrs. Miyashiro, once she tries them. 😊
A Brief History of Peanut Butter Blossoms
Apparently, a woman by the name of Mrs. Freda F. Smith from Ohio developed the recipe for The Grand National Pillsbury Bake-Off competition in 1957. She lost, but her cookies became legendary. Particularly after Pillsbury instated the Bake-Off Hall of Fame and ranked her recipe 7th on the list. Also included: French Silk Chocolate Pie.
Butter vs. Shortening
Pillsbury and Hershey call for 1/2 cup shortening. Others call for 1/2 cup softened butter. Because shortening is 100% fat without any water to increase gluten production, cookies made with Crisco tend to be softer. However, you can use them interchangeably without noticing any crazy differences.
Peanut Butter Warning
These aren’t healthy. They’re festive holiday cookies. Don’t use the natural stuff that you need to refrigerate. Use the super creamy kind—preferably the kind that comes in a teal blue jar and rhymes with hippie.
Bake Time Notes—You’re NOT Looking For Color
Trust me, these only need 8 minutes in the oven—10 maximum. The bottoms will not brown, and the cookies will set up as they cool at room temperature.
The Kisses!
You might want to unwrap your Hershey’s kisses first. Since the cookies hardly take any time to bake, you need to top them IMMEDIATELY if you want the candies to stay on.
Will they freeze well?
Yes! They will last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, but their texture is best the day you bake them. Freezing them and storing them in an air-tight container or resealable plastic bag is the best way to make them ahead of time.
For more festive baking inspiration, check out our easy Christmas cookie recipes.