These cookies bring the best of both worlds: the soft and chewy texture of classic peanut butter blossoms, but with a delicious, sea salt caramel twist and the iconic Hershey Kiss center! 🍫🥜🍪

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Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic duo that never fails to deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. But what happens when you take this iconic combination and add a drizzle of salted caramel? Magic happens! 🍫🥜

These Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Sea Salt & Caramel are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Whether you're baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through why you’ll love these cookies, the equipment you’ll need, how to store them, and some tips and tricks for the perfect batch every time. Let’s get started!

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Sweet & Salty Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a touch of flaky sea salt creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s irresistible. The caramel drizzle adds a decadent sweetness that complements the saltiness, making every bite a perfect balance of flavors.
Simple Ingredients, Easy to Make: You don't need a long list of complicated ingredients to make these cookies. With just a few pantry staples like peanut butter, butter, and Hershey's Kisses, you'll be able to whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're making them for a family get-together, a cookie exchange, or just because, these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Sea Salt & Caramel will be the star of the show. The combination of classic and new flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Sea Salt & Caramel

To make these mouthwatering cookies, you'll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

Electric Hand Mixer: This makes it easier to cream the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Baking Sheets: Two baking sheets lined with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop will help you portion out uniform cookie dough balls. This is especially helpful when you want your cookies to bake evenly.
Mixing Bowls: A medium bowl for dry ingredients and a large bowl for wet ingredients.
Wire Rack: For cooling your cookies after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly.
Remove the wrapping from 24 Hershey's Kisses and set them aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- A no-stir peanut butter that contains stabilizers works best for this recipe. Also, I like to make sure the peanut butter I choose has Roasted Peanuts as an ingredient.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- This should take about 3 minutes on medium-high speed.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Shape the Cookies:

Using a cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake:

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.

Add the Hershey Kisses:

Let the cookies cool on the pan for a minute or two, then press a Hershey Kiss firmly into the center of each cookie.
- The warmth of the cookie will help the Kiss settle perfectly into place.

Add the Salted Caramel Touch:

If you'd like to incorporate the salted caramel element, drizzle the cookies with a little caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.

Cool & Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- The Hershey Kiss will keep its shape, but the slight melt around the edges creates a perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

These Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Hershey Kisses and salted caramel are the perfect mix of classic and elevated flavors. 🍪

Why Does No-Stir Peanut Butter Work Best for this Recipe?

When making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, using no-stir peanut butter that contains stabilizers is highly recommended.

This type of peanut butter has a smooth, consistent texture that’s perfect for baking.
It doesn’t separate, meaning the oil stays evenly mixed with the peanut butter, providing a uniform dough that holds its shape during baking.
It also creates a smoother, more cohesive cookie dough that results in soft, chewy cookies.
Unlike natural peanut butter, which can be runnier and more oily, no-stir peanut butter ensures your cookies maintain the right consistency, making them easier to handle and bake.

Examples of no-stir peanut butter brands include Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, Skippy Super Chunk, and Peter Pan Creamy Peanut Butter. These varieties contain added stabilizers, which keep the peanut butter smooth and prevent the oil from separating, making them ideal for baking.

How to Store Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Salted Caramel

Once your cookies are baked and cooled, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Here’s how to store them:

At Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week. You can even layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
In the Freezer: Want to keep some for later? These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

How Long Do These Cookies Last?

When stored properly at room temperature, your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Sea Salt & Caramel will last for up to 1 week.
If you prefer your cookies a little fresher, freezing them is a great option to preserve their taste and texture for up to 3 months.

Possible Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is how customizable they are. Here are a few swaps and variations you can try:

Peanut Butter: If you’re allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter in place of the peanut butter.
Flaky Sea Salt: If you don’t have flaky sea salt, you can use regular table salt, but be mindful to use less since table salt is finer and more concentrated.
Caramel: Feel free to use homemade caramel sauce or store-bought. If you're short on time, even a caramel dip works as a quick fix for drizzling!
Chocolate Kisses: While Hershey's Kisses are the traditional topping for these cookies, you can experiment with other chocolates like mini peanut butter cups, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate for a unique twist.
Add-Ins: Want to take these cookies to the next level? Add a handful of chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough before baking for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chunky peanut butter for this recipe?

A: While creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, even texture, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind the cookies may have a slightly different consistency and spread a bit more during baking.

Q: How can I make sure my cookies don’t flatten too much?

A: Be sure to chill your dough before baking, especially if your kitchen is warm. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Q: Can I skip the caramel drizzle?

A: Of course! If you prefer your cookies without caramel, you can skip the drizzle and still enjoy a delicious peanut butter blossom cookie. However, the caramel adds an extra layer of indulgence, so I recommend giving it a try at least once!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Batch

Scoop & Roll Evenly: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are the same size, leading to even baking. It also helps maintain a nice round shape, perfect for the Hershey’s Kiss on top.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy in the center. Take them out of the oven when the edges are golden, and the centers are just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Press Kisses Right After Baking: When the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool for just a minute or two. Press the Hershey's Kisses into the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. The heat will help the chocolate settle perfectly into the cookie.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days, then roll and bake fresh when you're ready.

Join the Conversation!

I hope you enjoy making these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Sea Salt & Caramel as much as I do! They’re truly a special treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your baking creations with me on social media by tagging @ChynaBSweets. I’d love to see how your cookies turn out!

If you tried this recipe and loved it, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out or any variations you tried. And if you want more sweet recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for all the latest baking tips, tricks, and exclusive content.

Happy Baking, Xoxo Chyna B! 🍫🥜🍪

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Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies