Gooey Rolo Peanut Butter Blossoms

Experience a delightful twist on a classic holiday favorite with these sensational Rolo Peanut Blossoms. By crowning each soft, chewy peanut butter cookie with a luscious, caramel-filled chocolate Rolo candy, we’ve elevated the beloved peanut blossom to a spectacular new level, offering an irresistible caramel advantage over its traditional counterparts. Get ready to discover your new go-to cookie recipe!

This innovative take on classic Peanut Blossom Cookies is so utterly irresistible that you might find yourself never returning to the original version again. The harmonious blend of salty peanut butter, sweet sugar, and gooey caramel-chocolate creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly unforgettable. Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply a treat for yourself, these Rolo Peanut Blossoms are designed to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Rolo Peanut Blossoms on a vibrant red napkin, showcasing their golden-brown edges and melted Rolo centers.

Why You Must Make These Irresistible Rolo Peanut Blossoms

While the classic peanut blossom holds a special place in many hearts, often featuring a Hershey’s Kiss, the addition of a Rolo takes this cookie from delightful to absolutely divine. This isn’t just a minor modification; it’s a gourmet upgrade that introduces a rich, buttery caramel note to the familiar chocolate and peanut butter pairing. Here’s why these Rolo Peanut Blossoms are an absolute must-bake:

  • **A Caramel Revolution:** Forget the ordinary! Swapping out a simple chocolate star or Kiss for a caramel-filled Rolo candy injects a decadent, gooey caramel surprise into every bite. It’s a game-changer that makes these cookies exceptionally delicious and unique.
  • **The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Caramel Harmony:** If you’re a devoted fan of peanut butter cookies and have a special affection for caramel, then these cookies are crafted just for you. The combination is a match made in dessert heaven, offering a perfect balance of salty-sweet goodness.
  • **Perfect for Every Occasion:** Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie platter, a casual weekend treat, or looking for a show-stopping dessert to bring to a potluck, Rolo Peanut Blossoms fit the bill. Their appealing appearance and irresistible flavor make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
  • **Easy to Bake, Impressive Results:** Despite their sophisticated flavor profile, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, following a tried-and-true peanut butter cookie base. The impressive final result belies the ease of preparation, making you look like a baking pro with minimal effort.
A white bowl brimming with Rolo Peanut Blossoms, with additional cookies and candies casually scattered on the side.

Peanut Butter Blossoms for Caramel Lovers: An Irresistible Fusion

If the idea of warm, gooey chocolate and molten caramel nestled atop a soft peanut butter cookie is a new concept for you, prepare to be amazed – because it absolutely works, and it’s utterly divine! Fresh from the oven, these Rolo Peanut Blossoms offer an ooey-gooey, melty delight where the chocolate and caramel are incredibly soft and yielding. But the magic doesn’t stop there; they are just as scrumptious once they cool to room temperature, with the caramel firming slightly to a delightful chew and the chocolate retaining its smooth richness.

These magnificent gems are truly perfect for anyone who adores caramel. The interplay of the slightly salty peanut butter base with the sweet, rich Rolo filling creates a depth of flavor that is truly addictive. It’s a classic combination with an inspired upgrade. If you’re exploring this delightful pairing further, you’ll also adore Peanut Butter Cookie Cups, which are equally versatile and delicious topped with either Rolos or Reese’s peanut butter cups.

While these peanut blossoms were an instant hit with my two chocolate-peanut butter loving family members, my husband, for the umpteenth time, reminded me that he “doesn’t do peanut butter desserts.” Ah, well. More Rolo Peanut Blossom cookies for me to savor! This just goes to show that while some preferences are set, the widespread appeal of these cookies is undeniable, making them a fantastic choice for any gathering where delicious treats are appreciated.

Mastering Your Rolo Peanut Blossoms: Essential Baking Tips

Achieving the perfect Rolo Peanut Blossom is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips. These simple techniques will ensure your cookies are consistently delicious, beautifully shaped, and a joy to bake:

  • **PRO-Tip: The Power of Parchment Paper:** Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for several reasons: it ensures easy cleanup, eliminating the need to grease your pans; it prevents cookies from sticking; and it promotes more even baking by creating a consistent surface temperature.
  • **Achieve Uniformity with a Cookie Scoop:** For perfectly portioned and evenly sized cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend. This tool ensures that each cookie bakes consistently, leading to a more uniform batch both in appearance and texture. Evenly sized cookies also prevent some from being overdone while others are underbaked.
  • **PRO-Tip: Rolling for Roundness:** After scooping, gently roll the dough balls between your palms to make them nice and round. This seemingly small step significantly contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the baked cookies, ensuring they are symmetrical and professional-looking.
  • **Timely Candy Placement is Key:** Whether you’re using Rolos, Hershey’s Kisses, or chocolate stars, the timing of pressing the candies into the cookies is crucial. Do this as soon as the cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and pliable. Work quickly, as the candies will start to melt if handled too long, and they will adhere best while the cookies are hot, creating that signature “blossom” indentation.
  • **Patience for Packaging:** If you plan on packaging these peanut blossom cookies as gifts or for storage, allow them to cool completely. This ensures the chocolate and caramel have fully solidified, preventing them from sticking together or melting in cellophane bags or gift boxes. A fully cooled cookie also maintains its structure better during transport.
  • **Understanding Chocolate Bloom in the Refrigerator:** Storing these cookies in the refrigerator can sometimes cause the chocolate to “bloom,” which appears as a grayish film or dull spots on the chocolate. While this might alter the appearance, it does not impact the quality, taste, or safety of the cookies. For best appearance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Rolo Peanut Blossoms neatly arranged in a white bowl, with two additional cookies placed artfully on the side.

The Charming History of Peanut Blossom Cookies

Every beloved recipe has a story, and the Peanut Blossom cookie is no exception. This heartwarming tale begins in the late 1950s with a creative home baker named Freda Smith from Gibsonburg, Ohio. She entered her unique peanut butter cookie creation into the prestigious Pillsbury Bake-Off, forever cementing its place in American baking history.

Freda initially baked plain peanut butter cookies for her grandsons, but she felt they looked a bit too simple. Seeking to add a decorative touch and perhaps a bit more appeal, she ingeniously pressed a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie right as it came out of the oven. The result was a charming, flower-like indentation, reminiscent of a black-eyed Susan, which gave the cookie its iconic “blossom” appearance. When she submitted her recipe to the 1957 Pillsbury Bake-Off, the company recognized the brilliance of her creation. While Freda referred to them as “Peanut Butter Kisses,” Pillsbury officially christened them “Peanut Blossoms.” Although they didn’t clinch the grand prize, her innovative cookie was awarded the esteemed “senior grand national winner” in the cookie division, launching it into widespread popularity across kitchens nationwide. The Rolo Peanut Blossom simply builds upon this cherished legacy, adding a caramel twist to a timeless classic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Blossoms

Who Created Peanut Blossoms?

The delightful Peanut Blossom cookies were invented by Freda Smith. She had been baking peanut butter cookies for her grandsons and decided they looked a bit too plain. Inspired, she added a Hershey’s Kiss to the warm cookies, creating the iconic “blossom” shape and an instant classic that gained national recognition after being featured in the Pillsbury Bake-Off.

Why Are These Called Blossom Cookies?

When Freda Smith first pressed Hershey’s Kisses into her peanut butter cookies, she thought their appearance resembled black-eyed Susan flowers. This floral imagery led to the name. When she entered them into the 1957 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury officially embraced and popularized the name “Peanut Blossoms.” Though not the grand prize winner, they earned the prestigious title of “senior grand national winner” of the cookie division, securing their place in baking lore.

What Other Chocolates Can You Add to Peanut Blossoms?

While Rolos offer a fantastic caramel advantage, the beauty of Peanut Blossoms lies in their versatility. You can absolutely experiment with various types of chocolate candies that complement peanut butter. Classic choices include different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, Hugs), chocolate stars, or even mini peanut butter cups for an extra layer of peanut butter goodness. For visual appeal, mini M&M’s can add a pop of color. However, it’s generally best to avoid mint-flavored chocolates, especially around Christmas, as their strong flavor can sometimes clash with the peanut butter. The key is to choose a candy that melts well and creates a beautiful “blossom” effect.

Serving and Enjoying Your Rolo Peanut Blossoms

Rolo Peanut Blossoms are incredibly versatile and perfect for a wide array of occasions. Serve them as the star of your holiday dessert platter, where their unique caramel twist will make them stand out amongst other treats. They are also ideal for cookie exchanges, ensuring you bring a memorable and talked-about contribution. For everyday enjoyment, pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a comforting tea. Their rich flavor makes them a satisfying dessert after any meal.

These cookies also make fantastic edible gifts. Once completely cooled and set, arrange them in decorative cellophane bags or elegant gift boxes for a thoughtful, homemade present that friends, family, and neighbors will truly appreciate. The combination of classic comfort and a delightful surprise makes these cookies a winner, no matter how you choose to share or savor them.

Explore More Delicious Cookie Creations:

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  • Rolo Brownie Cookies
  • Rolo Pretzel Bites
  • Biscoff Rolo Bars
  • Star of Bethlehem Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
  • Classic Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Plus More Irresistible Cookie Recipes

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Rolo Peanut Blossoms on a red napkin, close-up view.
The Recipe:

Rolo Peanut Blossoms Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
48 cookies

These exquisite Rolo Peanut Blossoms are a sensational twist on classic peanut butter cookies, generously topped with chewy, caramel-filled Rolo candies. This basic recipe is adapted from the trusted Land O Lakes, ensuring a reliable and utterly delicious outcome every time.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
  • 48 Rolo candies, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper for easy release and cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the creamed mixture. Beat until these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined. Gradually add the flour and baking soda, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
  4. Place the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Shape the cookie dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat it evenly. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set but still soft. Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Rolo candy into the center of each warm cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For perfectly round cookies, roll your dough balls between your palms before coating them in sugar.
Ensure to press the Rolo candies into the center of each cookie immediately after they come out of the oven, while the cookies are still hot and pliable, to guarantee optimal adhesion and a beautifully melted center.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

48

Serving Size:

1 cookie

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 99Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 79mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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© Liz Berg


Cuisine:

American

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Category: Cookies
Peanut Butter Rolo Blossoms arranged on a pristine white ceramic tray, ready to be served.