Classic 1957 Peanut Blossoms

by

Introduction

Peanut Blossoms are nostalgic peanut-butter cookies topped with a chocolate candy. They have been a favorite for generations because they combine a soft, slightly chewy peanut-butter cookie with a rich chocolate center.

Pillsbury’s records show that Freda Smith of Gibsonburg, Ohio, submitted Peanut Blossoms to the ninth Pillsbury Bake-Off in 1957. They were not that year’s grand-prize winner, but they became one of the best-known recipes associated with the contest. PPillsbury+1

🥜 Ingredients

  • ½ cup shortening
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Granulated sugar, for rolling
  • 48 chocolate candy pieces, such as HERSHEY’S KISSES

Pillsbury’s current version makes about 48 cookies and takes about 2 hours total, including chilling and baking. PPillsbury

👩‍🍳 Method

  1. Prepare the dough.
    Cream the shortening, peanut butter, granulatedsugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the wet ingredients.
    Beat in the egg and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients.
    In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda and salt.
  4. Make the cookie dough.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut-butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Chill.
    Refrigerate the dough as directed. Chillingmakes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape.
  6. Shape.
    Roll the dough into small balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
  7. Bake.
    Place the balls on a baking sheet and bakeuntil the cookies are lightly browned.
  8. Add the chocolate.
    Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolatecandy into the center of each cookie.
  9. Cool.
    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

❤️ Why people love them

  • The peanut butter gives them a rich, nutty flavor.
  • The chocolate center provides a sweet contrast.
  • They’re easy to portion and pack.
  • They’re excellent for cookie trays, parties, bake sales and road trips.
  • Most importantly, they have that old-fashioned, homemade taste that makes people think of family kitchens and childhood.

📜 A little history

The Pillsbury Bake-Off began in 1949 and became a major showcase for home cooks and their recipes. The 1957 contest was held in Los Angeles—the first time the competition had left New York City. That same year, Freda Smith entered Peanut Blossoms. PPillsbury

Interestingly, Accordion Treats won the 1957 grand prize, while Peanut Blossoms became famous in their own right. CClick Americana+1

🍪 For cookie lovers

These are especially good when served slightly warm, when the chocolate is still soft. For a road trip, allow them to cool completely beforepacking them in an airtight container so the chocolate sets and the cookies travel well.

📝 Conclusion

Peanut Blossoms are more than just cookies—they’re a piece of American baking history. A recipe introduced at the 1957 Pillsbury Bake-Off went on to become a familiar favorite on holiday cookieplates and in family recipe collections

Leave a Comment