Indulge in the festive magic of the holiday season with my delightful Star of Bethlehem Cookies, a charming and irresistible twist on the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms. These beloved peanut butter cookies are crowned with elegant chocolate stars, replacing the traditional Hershey’s Kisses, making them an absolute must-have for your Christmas celebrations!
There’s an undeniable allure to the marriage of peanut butter and chocolate, a flavor combination that has captivated taste buds for generations. If you’re a devout fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then you already know the irresistible harmony these two ingredients create. My easy peanut butter cookie recipe takes this beloved pairing and elevates it with a festive touch, ensuring every bite is a moment of pure holiday bliss.
Why These Star of Bethlehem Cookies are a Holiday Essential
The holiday season calls for special treats, and these Star of Bethlehem Cookies truly shine. They offer a simple yet significant twist on a timeless classic, transforming a everyday favorite into a festive masterpiece. Here’s why they deserve a top spot on your Christmas baking list:
- **Festive Charm:** While classic peanut butter blossoms are always a hit, replacing the standard chocolate kiss with a delicate chocolate star instantly elevates these cookies, making them perfectly suited for Christmas and holiday gatherings. They evoke the spirit of the season, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert platter.
- **Irresistible Flavor Combination:** The iconic pairing of rich, creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate is universally loved. This recipe highlights that classic synergy, delivering a sweet and savory balance that is simply divine and guaranteed to please every palate.
- **Ease of Preparation:** Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. The straightforward instructions and common ingredients mean you can whip up a batch (or two!) without the usual holiday baking stress, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
- **Versatility in Toppings:** While chocolate stars are my preferred festive topping, the recipe is incredibly adaptable. If chocolate stars are hard to find, or if you simply wish to experiment, other delightful options like mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Rolo candies can create equally delicious and unique variations.
- **A Cherished Holiday Tradition:** Baking these cookies can become a heartwarming family tradition. The act of rolling the dough, pressing in the stars, and sharing the finished product fosters a sense of joy and togetherness, creating lasting memories for years to come.
My unique rendition of Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies, affectionately named Star of Bethlehem Cookies, holds a permanent place on my annual Christmas baking roster. While I appreciate the simplicity of recipes like Dorie Greenspan’s classic peanut butter cookies or the ever-popular Old-fashioned 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies, I’ve found that their doughs don’t quite achieve the perfect texture required for these star-studded treats. This recipe has been specifically crafted to create a soft, chewy peanut butter cookie base that perfectly cradles the chocolate topping.
As December approaches, my quest begins for Brach’s Chocolate Stars. These special chocolates are key to achieving that distinctive festive look, transforming a humble cookie into a radiant Star of Bethlehem. If Brach’s aren’t available, Dove’s Milk Chocolate Stars make an excellent substitute, offering a smooth, rich chocolate experience. For those adventurous bakers, topping these cookies with gooey Rolos could introduce an exciting caramel twist, or imagine the sheer delight of a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup nestled atop each cookie! The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these holiday gems.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Star of Bethlehem Cookies
Crafting these delectable cookies requires a few standard pantry staples and some thoughtful choices to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- **Kitchen Staples:** You’ll need granulated sugar, light brown sugar (for moisture and chewiness), all-purpose flour, and baking soda. These form the essential structure and sweetness of your cookies.
- **Butter:** Always use unsalted butter at room temperature. Softened butter creams more easily with the sugars, creating a lighter, airier dough. If you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.
- **Creamy Peanut Butter:** For the best results, opt for a smooth, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter, which tends to separate oils, can alter the cookie’s texture, making it more crumbly. The consistency of creamy peanut butter is crucial for forming perfectly round cookie balls.
- **Eggs:** Large eggs, also at room temperature, are essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other wet ingredients, leading to a more uniform dough.
- **Milk:** A touch of milk adds necessary moisture to the dough, preventing it from becoming too dry. I typically use 2% milk as it’s what I keep on hand, but whole milk works equally well, contributing to a slightly richer cookie.
- **Vanilla Extract:** Pure vanilla extract is non-negotiable for superior flavor. Avoid artificially flavored vanilla, as it can impart an unpleasant aftertaste. Brands like Nielson-Massey are excellent choices, offering a depth of flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- **Brach’s or Dove’s Milk Chocolate Stars:** These are the signature element that gives these cookies their “Star of Bethlehem” identity. They are often available during the holiday season. However, if chocolate stars prove elusive, don’t fret! Hershey’s Kisses in milk chocolate or dark chocolate are classic alternatives. For a different flavor profile, consider Rolo candies (peanut butter and caramel!) or even mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for an extra peanut butter punch. Check local candy shops or specialty grocery stores if you’re having trouble finding the stars.
Mastering Your Star of Bethlehem Cookies: Insider Tips
Achieving the perfect Star of Bethlehem cookie is simple with a few expert tricks up your sleeve. These tips will help ensure your cookies are soft, flavorful, and beautifully presented:
- **Sourcing Chocolate Stars:** Finding Brach’s Chocolate Stars can sometimes be a treasure hunt! While they used to be readily available in most grocery stores during the holidays, you might now need to check online retailers or local specialty candy stores. If you still can’t find them, remember that any variety of Hershey’s Kiss (excluding peppermint, which can clash with peanut butter) or other small chocolate candies like Rolos or mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups make fantastic substitutes.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients are Key:** For a smooth, consistent dough, always pull your butter and eggs out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you plan to bake. Room temperature butter creams much more easily with sugar, resulting in a lighter and more uniform cookie dough texture. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or become lumpy.
- **Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely:** Stick with creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for this recipe. Natural peanut butter, with its tendency to separate and its often thicker consistency, can make the dough difficult to work with and may lead to a drier, more crumbly cookie. The smooth texture of creamy peanut butter is perfect for forming neat, consistent cookie balls.
- **Timing the Chocolate Addition:** This is a crucial step! Press the chocolate star (or your chosen candy) into the center of each cookie *immediately* after they come out of the hot oven. The residual heat from the freshly baked cookie will gently melt the base of the chocolate, helping it adhere perfectly. If you wait too long, the cookies will cool and the chocolate won’t stick as well.
- **Pro-Tip for Measuring Peanut Butter:** Peanut butter can be notoriously sticky. To make cleanup a breeze and ensure accurate measurement, spray your measuring cup with a non-stick cooking spray (like Pam) before scooping the peanut butter. It will slide right out with ease!
- **Streamlining Dry Ingredients:** If you’re pressed for time or short on bowls, you can simplify the mixing process. Instead of whisking the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, sprinkle the baking soda and salt directly over the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly. Then, gradually add the flour. This method helps prevent pockets of undissolved baking soda, which can lead to an unpleasant taste.
- **Know Your Oven:** Every oven bakes a little differently. Always start checking your peanut butter blossom cookies a minute or two before the baking time suggested in the recipe. Look for edges that are lightly golden and centers that appear set but still slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies.
- **Cooling Patience:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after adding the chocolate. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the chocolate to fully solidify.
I’ve experimented with several Blossom Cookie recipes over the years, and this one consistently comes out on top as my absolute favorite. While renowned sources like Cook’s Illustrated offer a terrific version, it involves the extra step of grinding peanuts – a task I prefer to avoid during the bustling holiday season. Similarly, some recipes suggest pulling cookies out of the oven a minute or two early to add the chocolate, then returning them to finish baking. I’ve never encountered issues with the chocolate adhering, so I’ve simplified that step, too. When it comes to holiday baking, simplicity without compromising flavor is always the goal!
This Twist on Hershey’s Kiss Cookies has earned its coveted spot in my holiday recipe binder, a collection reserved only for the very best candy and cookie recipes. My two eldest children would undoubtedly agree; they wouldn’t complain if the cookie jar were perpetually stocked with these delightful treats! I sincerely hope these peanut butter stars become a cherished favorite in your home, bringing joy and deliciousness to your festive season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Blossoms
Dry or hard peanut blossoms can be a result of several factors. Most commonly, using too much flour or not enough liquid can lead to a stiff dough. It’s crucial to measure your flour correctly – spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour. Overbaking is another frequent culprit; keep a close eye on your cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Ensure you’re using large eggs, as their moisture content is vital for the cookie’s texture.
Flat cookies are often caused by dough that is too warm. When butter or cookie dough gets overly soft, it spreads too rapidly in the oven before the cookie structure can set. To prevent this, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. If your dough feels too warm or soft after mixing, simply chill it in the refrigerator, covered, until it firms up. It should be firm enough to handle but still scoopable. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh and active, as it provides the necessary lift.
Absolutely! This peanut blossoms recipe includes both vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. While salt enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing the sweetness and richness, vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic depth that beautifully complements the peanut butter, elevating the cookie’s taste to another level. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Once your Star of Bethlehem Cookies have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Stored properly, they will maintain their freshness, soft texture, and delicious flavor for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Yes, peanut blossoms freeze exceptionally well! For best results, ensure the cookies are entirely cooled before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. To maintain the pristine condition of the chocolate toppings, I recommend freezing them for no more than a month, especially if they are intended as gifts. For personal consumption, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight; this minimizes condensation from forming inside the container and potentially affecting the chocolate’s appearance.
The beloved Peanut Butter Blossom cookie has a rich history! It first made its grand appearance and gained widespread fame as the winning recipe of the 9th Pillsbury Bake-Off competition way back in 1949. Since then, its simple charm and irresistible flavor have cemented its place as a perennial favorite in kitchens across America, especially during the holiday season.
More Holiday Cookie & Blossom Recipes to Explore:
If you loved these Star of Bethlehem Cookies, you’ll surely enjoy these other festive and delicious cookie recipes, perfect for expanding your holiday baking repertoire:
- Macaroon Blossom Cookies from Crazy for Crust: A delightful coconut twist on the classic blossom!
- Eggnog Blossoms from Back for Seconds: Infuse your cookies with the festive flavors of eggnog.
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Blossoms from Princess Pinky Girl: A colorful and fun take using a sugar cookie base.
- Chocolate Heart Blossoms from Baking A Moment: Perfect for Valentine’s Day or simply showing some love.
- Caramel Biscoff Blossoms: A unique combination of sweet caramel and spiced Biscoff flavor.
- Rolo Peanut Blossoms: For those who adore the mix of peanut butter and gooey caramel.
- Candy Cane Blossoms: A refreshingly minty and festive cookie for Christmas.
- Discover even more of my BEST Holiday Recipes for a truly memorable celebration!
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Star of Bethlehem Cookies (Peanut Blossoms)
20 minutes
12 minutes
32 minutes
60 cookies
A festive twist on classic peanut butter blossoms, crowned with a beautiful chocolate star perfect for Christmas baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (such as Jif)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup milk (2% or whole milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package Brach’s Milk Chocolate Stars (9.2 ounces) or similar chocolate stars
- Additional granulated sugar, for coating dough balls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the milk and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball generously in additional granulated sugar to coat it completely. Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still appear slightly soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press one chocolate star into the center of each hot cookie. The heat will help the chocolate adhere.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes (about 5-10 minutes) to allow them to set and the chocolate to solidify slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
If Brach’s Milk Chocolate Stars are unavailable, feel free to substitute with Hershey’s Kisses (any flavor except peppermint), Rolo candies, or even mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a different but equally delicious twist.
For easier measuring and clean-up of sticky peanut butter, spray your measuring cup lightly with non-stick cooking spray before scooping the peanut butter. It will slide out effortlessly!
Recommended Baking Tools
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- OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop
- KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer
- Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper, 25 Sheet, 4 Count
- USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30
Serving Size:
2 cookies
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 256Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 284mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.
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