The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

There are few cookies that evoke such immediate warmth and nostalgia as the classic Peanut Butter Blossom. That unmistakable combination of a tender, chewy peanut butter base, rolled in glittering sugar, and crowned with a decadent, slightly softened Hershey’s Kiss it’s pure magic. These aren’t just cookies; they are a staple of American baking, appearing on holiday platters, bake sale tables, and kitchen counters year-round. If you have been searching for the definitive, most reliable, and ultimately most delicious version of this iconic dessert, your search ends here. We are going beyond the basic recipe to deliver truly Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms cookies that are soft on the inside, beautifully crinkled on the edges, and feature a chocolate ‘blossom’ that sets perfectly every single time.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and flawless texture. Forget dry, crumbly dough or kisses that slip off the moment they cool. We utilize a careful balance of sugars and fats, combined with precise baking times, ensuring every batch yields buttery, irresistible results. Whether you are a seasoned baker preparing for the festive season or a novice looking for a fail-proof classic, these Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms will quickly become your new go-to recipe. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the glorious aroma of fresh-baked peanut butter and chocolate!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

The world is filled with peanut butter cookies, but none possess the singular charm and delightful complexity of the Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie. This recipe elevates the classic for several compelling reasons, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a joy to bake.

First and foremost is the incredible texture profile. We aim for a cookie that is the ideal balance of chewy and soft. The combination of both brown and granulated white sugar is critical here. Brown sugar introduces moisture and a slight acidity, which aids in creating that desired chewiness and helps the cookies spread just enough without turning flat. The granulated sugar provides structure and contributes to the delightful crispy edges and the shimmering coat on the outside. When you bite into one of these, you experience a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center contrasting beautifully with the slight crunch from the sugar coating.

Secondly, the flavor is simply unbeatable. This recipe utilizes just the right amount of creamy peanut butter to provide a robust, nutty flavor without overpowering the sweet and comforting vanilla base. The slightly salty note from the added salt cuts through the richness, balancing the sweetness perfectly. This careful flavor architecture ensures that the cookie base stands powerfully on its own, ready to support the chocolate element.

But of course, the signature element is the chocolate. The warmth of the freshly baked cookie melts the base of the Hershey’s Kiss just enough to create that iconic “blossom” shape. This interaction between the hot, soft cookie and the milk chocolate is what elevates this from a simple peanut butter cookie to a masterpiece of confectionery art. The chocolate becomes slightly tempered by the heat, setting up with a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm cookie base. It is truly the defining characteristic of Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Finally, these cookies are inherently fun to make. Rolling the dough balls in sugar adds a delightful textural element and visual appeal. And the moment of pressing the Kisses into the hot dough is incredibly satisfying a true moment of creation that transforms simple dough into these gorgeous, festive treats. They are perfect for holiday gifting, a fantastic addition to any dessert platter, or simply a comforting treat on a cozy evening. Once you master this method, you will never need another recipe for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

Furthermore, these cookies hold up exceptionally well to storage. Unlike some delicate baked goods, the robust nature of these Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms ensures they remain soft and delicious for several days when stored correctly, making them ideal for preparing ahead of large events or shipping to loved ones. The careful measurements in this guide guarantee reliable results, eliminating common baking frustrations and ensuring that your time in the kitchen is productive and rewarding.

The Timeless Appeal: Why You Should Try This Recipe for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

In a world of complex, multi-layered desserts, the sheer simplicity and consistent satisfaction provided by the Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie makes it enduringly popular. This specific formulation is a must-try for any home baker looking to add a truly classic recipe to their repertoire. The appeal lies in its reliable nature and the incredible payoff for minimal complexity.

Many cookie recipes require chilling the dough, lengthy preparation steps, or complicated decorating. These Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms, however, are surprisingly straightforward. We designed the mixing process to be quick and easy, requiring only softening the butter and ensuring the dry ingredients are properly aerated. The most ‘challenging’ part is unwrapping all 48 Kisses ahead of time a task easily delegated to younger helpers!

For those who love the foundational flavors of baking, this recipe is a masterclass in balance. If you appreciate the soft, buttery texture of a great sugar cookie, combined with the rich, comforting depth of peanut butter, you’ll find this recipe achieves a flawless equilibrium. It’s comforting without being heavy, and sweet without being cloying. If you’ve enjoyed other classic, easy cookies, such as our classic peanut butter cookies, you’ll find the process familiar but the result uniquely satisfying due to that chocolate crown.

Beyond the taste, these cookies hold a strong element of tradition. For many, the sight of a platter piled high with Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms signals the arrival of the holiday season. Baking these cookies connects you to generations of home cooks who have used this recipe to spread cheer. When you share these, you are sharing a piece of culinary history.

Moreover, trying this recipe allows you to practice essential baking techniques without high risk. The creaming method (mixing butter and sugar) is fundamental, and this dough is forgiving and easy to handle when rolling. Achieving that perfect, slightly crinkled look is incredibly rewarding. This experience will boost your confidence for tackling other complex holiday treats, such as Christmas thumbprint cookies or richer desserts like a glazed eggnog loaf.

Finally, the versatility of the Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms makes them worth the effort. They are not limited to one season. They are fantastic for summer picnics, school lunchboxes, or a simple Friday night dessert. By utilizing quality ingredients and following our precise steps, you guarantee a yield of beautifully uniform cookies that look professionally made. This consistency is the hallmark of a truly great recipe. Don’t settle for a mediocre blossom; bake the best, bake the Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Gathering Your Supplies: Ingredients and Essential Utensils for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

Success in baking, especially when aiming for perfection, starts long before the oven is preheated. It requires precise measurements and having the right tools on hand. To achieve truly Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms, we must pay careful attention to both the quality and temperature of our ingredients, particularly the butter.

Precise Ingredient List

Baking is chemistry, and precise measurements are non-negotiable. Ensure all ingredients are measured using standard kitchen measuring cups and spoons.

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Butter quality matters here. Unsalted allows you to control the total salt content. Crucially, the butter must be softened not melted to properly incorporate air during the creaming process. This air is essential for a light, fluffy dough.
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: We strongly recommend using commercial brands (like Jif or Skippy) that do not separate, as they provide the necessary structure and fat consistency for the dough. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) often results in dry, crumbly cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar: Used in the dough for sweetness, structure, and browning.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: This is key to chewiness and moisture retention. Ensure it is packed firmly when measuring.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and provides structure. Make sure it is at room temperature; this helps it emulsify better with the creamed butter mixture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor; it enhances the nutty notes of the peanut butter.
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure provider. While sifting is not strictly necessary, measuring the flour using the spoon-and-level method prevents over-measurement, which can lead to dense cookies. For other baking staples, like preparing for Easy Pumpkin Bread, proper flour measurement is equally essential.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: This provides the primary lift (leavening). It reacts with the brown sugar and fat to create the desired rise and helps the cookies spread slightly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the intense sweetness and enhancing the flavor of the peanut butter.

For Coating and Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar (for rolling the dough): This is used externally to provide that beautiful, glistening, crunchy crust characteristic of the Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolates, unwrapped: The centerpiece! You need precisely 48 Kisses for this yield. Unwrap them before you start mixing the dough. They must be ready to press immediately upon oven removal.

Essential Tools and Utensils for Baking Success

Having the right equipment streamlines the process and contributes significantly to the quality of the final Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.

1. Electric Mixer (Stand or Handheld): Absolutely necessary for achieving the proper “creamed” mixture in Step 2. Creaming is what incorporates the air needed for a tender cookie. If mixing by hand, you will need significantly more elbow grease and time (up to 10 minutes).
2. Large Mixing Bowl: For the wet ingredients and combining the dough. Ensure it is large enough to prevent flour from escaping when you mix.
3. Medium Mixing Bowl: Crucial for whisking the dry ingredients. Thoroughly whisking the flour, baking soda, and salt ensures the leavening is evenly distributed, guaranteeing uniform cookie rise.
4. Rubber Spatula: Necessary for scraping down the sides of the bowl during mixing and for folding in the last bits of flour.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient ratios. Remember to level off dry ingredients.
6. Cookie Scoop (1-inch or 1-tablespoon size): This is a game-changer for achieving uniformly sized cookies, which ensures they all bake evenly. Uniformity is the secret to beautiful, perfectly baked Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.
7. Two Large Baking Sheets: Using two sheets prevents overcrowding the oven and ensures the cookies bake evenly without steaming each other.
8. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Highly recommended. These prevent sticking, ensure the bottom of the cookies don’t burn, and make cleanup significantly easier.
9. Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing the cookies to cool and set properly. Cooling on the rack prevents condensation buildup on the bottom of the cookies, which can make them soggy.
10. Shallow Bowl: Specifically for holding the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar used for coating the dough balls. A shallow bowl makes rolling easier and ensures a complete coating.

The success of these Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies hinges on preparation. Having your butter softened, your egg at room temperature, and every single Hershey’s Kiss unwrapped and ready to deploy will drastically improve your baking experience and the quality of the final product. Invest the time now in prep, and you’ll be rewarded with truly magnificent results.

Step-by-Step Perfection: How to Bake the Best Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

This detailed guide breaks down the process of creating the most tender and flavorful Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms. Pay close attention to mixing times and temperatures for optimal results.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Equipment (The Setup)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Accurate oven temperature is crucial. Use an oven thermometer if you suspect your oven runs hot or cold.

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures even baking and easy release.

Crucial Prep: Unwrap all 48 Hershey’s Kisses. This step cannot wait until the cookies are baking! Place them on a plate and keep them nearby in a cool location. If the chocolate is handled too much or is warm, it may melt too quickly when pressed.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients (Aeration is Key)

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated white sugar, and light brown sugar.

Using an electric mixer (either stand or handheld) on medium speed, cream the mixture together. This step is vital for cookie texture. You must beat them until the mixture is visibly lighter in color, fluffy, and voluminous. This process incorporates air, which guarantees a tender crumb. This typically takes a full 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once during the process.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla (Binding and Flavor)

Add the large, room-temperature egg to the creamed mixture. Beat only until the egg is just combined. Over-beating after adding the egg can lead to tough cookies.

Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again to ensure the egg mixture is homogenous.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients (Even Distribution)

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This thorough whisking prevents clumps and ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed. Whisk for a solid 30 seconds. Uneven leavening results in lopsided or flat cookies.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry (Do Not Overmix)

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Turn off the mixer the second the dough just comes together and no streaks of flour remain.

Tip: If using a stand mixer, finish the last few rotations by hand using a rubber spatula. This prevents gluten overdevelopment. The resulting dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to handle when rolling. If your dough feels too crumbly, ensure your butter was soft enough or your peanut butter wasn’t too oily.

Step 6: Roll the Cookie Dough (The Sugar Coat)

Place the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar in a shallow bowl.

Using a 1-inch cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie), scoop the dough and roll it into smooth, uniform balls. Uniform size guarantees uniform baking.

Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sugar until it is completely coated. This sugar coating adds the classic sparkle and delightful textural crunch to your Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies (The Window of Perfection)

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Monitor closely. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the center of the cookie looks set but still soft and puffy. The center will look slightly underdone this is exactly what you want for a chewy interior. Do not overbake, or they will be dry.

Step 8: Press the Kisses (The Critical ‘Blossom’ Moment)

This step must happen immediately. As soon as the cookies are removed from the oven, quickly but firmly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie. You want to press down far enough that the Kiss anchors itself but not so hard that the cookie splits open entirely.

The heat from the cookie will immediately start to melt the base of the chocolate. This slight melting is essential; it bonds the chocolate to the cookie and creates the characteristic “blossom” look.

Step 9: Cool and Serve (Setting the Chocolate)

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows the cookie structure to set around the soft chocolate.

Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate needs time to fully set before the cookies can be stacked or stored. Depending on your kitchen temperature, this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If your kitchen is very warm, you can briefly place the cooling rack in the refrigerator (about 10 minutes) to speed up the setting process.

Once completely cool, store your Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy this timeless classic!

Mastering the Art: Tips, Troubleshooting, and Delicious Variations for Blossom Cookies

While the recipe for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms is straightforward, a few key techniques and adaptations can elevate your cookies from good to outstanding. Understanding common pitfalls and knowing how to substitute ingredients will make you a blossom cookie master.

Tips for Flawless Execution

1. Use Commercial Peanut Butter: We cannot stress this enough. Natural or homemade peanut butter, where the oil separates, is too loose and oily for this recipe. It throws off the fat-to-flour ratio, resulting in flat, greasy cookies. Stick to conventional, stabilized creamy peanut butter for structure.

2. Don’t Substitute the Sugars: The 1:1 ratio of white sugar to brown sugar is calculated to provide the perfect balance of crisp edges (white sugar) and chewy centers (brown sugar). Altering this ratio significantly impacts the texture.

3. The Room Temperature Rule: Ensure both the butter and the egg are at true room temperature. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly (less air = dense cookies). If it’s melted, the dough will be greasy.

4. Timing the Kiss: The 8-10 minute bake time is crucial. The cookie must be hot enough to melt the chocolate base slightly, but not so hot that the Kiss completely liquifies. If you wait even a minute too long, the cookie surface begins to firm up, making it difficult to adhere the Kiss without cracking the cookie.

5. Speedy Cooling for Setting Chocolate: If you need the chocolate to set quickly (especially in a warm kitchen), allow the cookies to rest on the counter for 5 minutes after adding the Kisses, then transfer the entire baking sheet to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This quickly stabilizes the chocolate and prevents it from looking glossy or smeared.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Problem: My cookies are flat and greasy.

Solution: This is often caused by using butter that was too soft (partially melted) or by using natural peanut butter. Ensure your butter is softened but still holds its shape. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as old leavening agents won’t give the necessary lift.

Problem: The Kisses slide off the cookies.

Solution: The cookies cooled too much before the Kisses were pressed in. Kisses must be pressed immediately, while the cookie is piping hot, allowing the melting base to act as an adhesive.

Problem: The cookies are dry and crumbly.

Solution: The cookies were likely over-baked (check your oven temperature) or you added too much flour (always use the spoon-and-level method). Additionally, overmixing the flour can develop gluten too much, leading to a tough, dry texture.

Delicious Variations and Alternatives

One of the joys of the Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to switch up the classic formula:

Chocolate Variations:

• Dark Chocolate Blossoms: Use dark chocolate Kisses or dark chocolate chunks instead of milk chocolate. The bitterness of the dark chocolate beautifully cuts the sweetness of the peanut butter dough.
• Holiday Cheer: Substitute the standard Hershey’s Kisses with flavored varieties, such as mint, caramel, or special holiday truffle Kisses for a festive twist.
• Salted Caramel Blossoms: Drizzle a tiny amount of high-quality salted caramel sauce over the chocolate Kiss immediately after pressing it in.

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality, measure-for-measure gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a vegan butter stick (avoid tubs) and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes) instead of a chicken egg. Ensure your peanut butter and sugars are vegan-certified.

Flavor Twists:

• Spiced Dough: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warmer, richer flavor profile.
• Oatmeal Blossoms: Reduce the all-purpose flour by 1/4 cup and replace it with 1/4 cup of finely ground quick-cooking oats for a slightly denser, chewier texture.

For more creative baking ideas, including variations on classic desserts and seasonal treats, be sure to check out my collection of favorite recipes on my Pinterest board here.

Nutritional Snapshot and Ingredient Benefits

While the Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms are undeniably an indulgence, they are made from whole ingredients that offer certain nutritional benefits, particularly when enjoyed in moderation. Providing a general nutritional overview helps contextualize this delightful treat.

It is important to note that specific nutritional data (calories, macros) varies based on the exact size of the cookie and the brand of peanut butter used. However, we can provide estimated values and discuss the benefits derived from the core components.

Estimated Nutritional Profile (Per Cookie, based on 48 cookies):

These estimates are based on industry standards for cookies of this size and ingredients.

• Calories: Approximately 100-120 kcal
• Total Fat: Approximately 5-7g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 2-3g
• Cholesterol: Moderate
• Sodium: Approximately 50-70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 12-15g
• Sugars: High (from added sugars and milk chocolate)
• Protein: Approximately 2-3g

As expected with a traditional dessert cookie, these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates and sugars, making them a treat best enjoyed mindfully.

Ingredient Benefits (In Context)

Though we are baking a dessert, the core ingredients do contribute positive nutritional elements:

Peanut Butter (The Power Base):

Peanut butter is the star flavor and provides the bulk of the protein and healthy fats in these cookies. Even in a small portion, peanut butter delivers:

• Protein: Essential for muscle repair and satiety. The small protein content in each cookie makes them slightly more satisfying than a standard butter cookie.
• Healthy Fats: Peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (MUFAs and PUFAs). These are considered heart-healthy fats that help manage cholesterol levels.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Peanuts contain Vitamin E, B vitamins (like niacin and folate), magnesium, and phosphorus. These play roles in immunity, energy production, and bone health.

Flour and Leavening:

All-purpose flour provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary source of fuel. While often refined, flour provides structure to the cookie and contributes to overall energy content. Baking soda and salt, while small in quantity, are vital electrolytes and contribute to the metabolic reactions necessary for the cookie’s rise.

Chocolate (The Feel-Good Factor):

The Hershey’s Kisses are primarily milk chocolate, which is high in sugar. However, all chocolate contains cocoa solids, which are rich in flavonoids a type of antioxidant. While milk chocolate has fewer antioxidants than dark chocolate, consuming a treat like a Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom is known to boost mood and provide a moment of pleasure, which is important for overall mental well-being.

It’s beneficial to view Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms as a special treat rather than a primary source of nutrition. They are designed for enjoyment, sharing, and satisfying that specific craving for the ultimate combination of salty peanut butter and sweet milk chocolate.

For balance, consider serving these alongside lighter, more nutrient-dense treats, or enjoying them after a wholesome meal. For example, balancing out decadent desserts with nutrient-rich side dishes like creamy green bean casserole or healthy main courses ensures a well-rounded diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

We’ve gathered the most common questions about baking these classic Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms to ensure your cookie experience is absolutely seamless.

Conclusion: The Sweet Legacy of Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

The journey to baking the truly Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms is not complicated, but it relies on attention to detail from ensuring your butter is perfectly softened to timing the pressing of the Kiss at the critical moment. By adhering to this carefully balanced recipe, you have unlocked the secrets to a cookie that is moist, tender, deeply flavorful, and visually stunning.

These Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies stand as a testament to the joy found in simple, traditional baking. They encapsulate comfort, celebration, and the irresistible pairing of rich peanut butter and smooth milk chocolate. Whether they are the centerpiece of your holiday dessert spread, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a treat reserved for your family, these cookies promise satisfaction with every single bite.

Remember the critical steps: cream the fats and sugars until truly fluffy, don’t overmix the flour, and act fast when pressing in those Kisses. If you master these three rules, you will be rewarded with a batch of 48 cookies that embody perfection.

We encourage you to try this recipe, share the warmth and nostalgia these cookies bring, and pass down this tradition to the next generation of bakers. We would love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the classic Hershey’s Kiss, or did you try a fun variation? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow cookie enthusiasts!

Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

Classic, soft peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and immediately topped with a melting milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss, creating the iconic holiday blossom shape.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 48 cookies

Course: Cookie, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 85

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Coating and Topping

• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar for rolling the dough
• 48 Hershey’s Kisses milk chocolates, unwrapped

Equipment

• Electric Mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking Sheets
• Wire rack

Method

 

Preparation and Mixing

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Unwrap all 48 Hershey's Kisses and set them aside in a cool location.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup granulated white sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (2 to 3 minutes).
3. Beat the large egg into the creamed mixture until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk thoroughly for about 30 seconds to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing; the resulting dough should be soft and easy to handle.

Baking and Finishing

1. Place the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop the cookie dough and roll it into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter (about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie). Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sugar until completely coated.
2. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center of the cookie looks set but still soft.
3. As soon as the cookies are removed from the oven, immediately and firmly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie. The chocolate will soften and melt slightly around the edges, forming the signature blossom shape.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate needs time to set fully before storing (20 to 30 minutes). Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

If the dough seems too sticky to roll easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the chocolate kisses are unwrapped beforehand and kept cool, as you need to press them quickly while the cookies are piping hot.