Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Cookie

May 10, 2025

Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Cookie

Peanut Butter Blossoms, with their iconic chocolate kiss crown, have long been a holiday baking staple, cherished for their sweet-salty crunch and nostalgic charm. In 2025, as sourdough baking continues its meteoric rise—evidenced by a 30% surge in sourdough recipe searches, per a 2024 Pinterest report—this classic cookie gets a modern makeover with Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms. By incorporating sourdough discard, these cookies gain a subtle tangy depth that elevates the peanut butter’s richness and complements the chocolate center. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps, cozy afternoons, or gifting, this recipe blends tradition with innovation. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed recipe, nutritional insights, customization options, and expert tips to create Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms that will steal the show.

Why Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are beloved for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor, but adding sourdough discard takes them to new heights. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Unique Flavor: Sourdough discard adds a subtle, tangy complexity that balances the sweetness of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a sophisticated yet approachable taste.
• Sustainable Baking: Using discard reduces food waste, a key trend in 2025 as 68% of home cooks prioritize sustainability, per a 2024 Food Network survey.
• Texture Perfection: The discard contributes to a tender, slightly chewy cookie with a crisp edge, enhancing the classic Blossom’s bite.
• Versatile Appeal: Ideal for holidays, bake sales, or everyday treats, these cookies delight kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free diets, ensuring inclusivity.
• Sourdough Trend: With X posts from @SourdoughSquad raving about discard recipes, this cookie taps into the zeitgeist of artisanal baking.

Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or a Blossom traditionalist, this recipe offers a fresh, flavorful twist that’s sure to impress.

The Recipe: Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms

This recipe yields about 36 cookies, perfect for sharing or gifting. Total preparation and baking time is approximately 1 hour, plus chilling time.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or conventional, like Jif or Skippy)
• ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup sourdough discard (100% hydration, unfed)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt

For the Chocolate Centers

• 36 chocolate kisses (e.g., Hershey’s Kisses, milk or dark chocolate), unwrapped

Optional Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
• Chopped peanuts for rolling

Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer (or large mixing bowl)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Small bowls (for sugar and chocolate kisses)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop (1.5 tbsp size)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Peanut Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and peanut butter on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Add Sugars: Add granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the sourdough discard, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until fully combined, about 1 minute.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Cover and Chill: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. This firms the dough for easier shaping and enhances flavor.
2. Preheat Oven: During the last 15 minutes of chilling, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Prepare Sugar Coating: Place ¼ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl for rolling.
2. Scoop Dough: Using a 1.5 tbsp cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Coat: Roll each ball in the sugar (or chopped peanuts for extra crunch) and place on the baking sheets, 2 inches apart (about 12 per sheet).
4. Optional: Lightly press each ball to flatten slightly, ensuring a stable base for the chocolate kiss.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Bake one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should look slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
2. Add Chocolate Kisses: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie, applying gentle pressure until the cookie cracks slightly around the edges.
3. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 5: Serve and Store

1. Garnish: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast, if desired.
2. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature with milk, coffee, or tea.
3. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for 10 days, or freeze for 3 months. Layer with parchment to protect the kisses.

Baking Tips

• Sourdough Discard: Use cold, unfed discard straight from the fridge for best results. Ensure it’s at 100% hydration (equal parts flour and water by weight).
• Peanut Butter Choice: Natural peanut butter may require extra chilling to prevent spreading. Conventional brands yield consistent results.
• Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for uniform browning, especially in uneven ovens.
• Kiss Timing: Press kisses immediately after baking to ensure they adhere without melting completely.

Nutritional Insights

Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms are an indulgent treat with moderate nutritional value. Approximate nutritional info per cookie (based on 36 cookies):

• Calories: ~130 kcal
• Protein: 3g (from peanut butter and egg, for muscle support)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (from flour and sugars, for energy)
• Fat: 7g (from butter, peanut butter, and chocolate, for satiety)
• Fiber: 0.5g (minimal, from flour)
• Key Nutrients:
  • Iron: ~4% DV (from peanut butter, for oxygen transport)
  • Vitamin E: ~5% DV (from peanut butter, for skin health)
  • Magnesium: ~3% DV (from chocolate, for muscle function)

The sourdough discard adds trace amounts of gut-friendly probiotics, per a 2024 Journal of Food Science study, though baking reduces their potency. These cookies are high in sugar and fat, so enjoy in moderation. They can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets, ensuring accessibility.

Customization Ideas

This recipe is highly versatile to suit various preferences and diets:

• Chocolate Variations: Swap milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter cups for a double-peanut hit.
• Nutty Twists: Roll in chopped almonds or hazelnuts, or mix ¼ cup crushed peanuts into the dough.
• Spiced Kick: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for warmth, or a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy edge.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (e.g., King Arthur) and ensure peanut butter and chocolate are gluten-free.
• Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan margarine, egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and use vegan chocolate (e.g., Enjoy Life).
• Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and roll in sugar or seeds for a safe alternative.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the dough for a citrusy note, or drizzle with caramel sauce post-baking.

These variations keep the cookies exciting, perfect for diverse palates or repeat baking.

Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms with complementary pairings:

• Drinks:
  • Non-Alcoholic: Hot cocoa or chai latte for cozy vibes, or cold milk for classic nostalgia.
  • Alcoholic: Stout beer or a peanut butter whiskey shot for an adult treat.
• Sides:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Their tartness balances the richness.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve cookies warm as a sundae base.
  • Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses for a sweet-savory contrast at gatherings.
• Dessert Spread: Include with other cookies (e.g., gingerbread, shortbread) for a holiday tray.

These pairings elevate the cookies, making them ideal for parties or quiet evenings.

Expert Tips for Success

Bakers and chefs share insights to perfect your cookies:

• Discard Quality: “Use discard within 7–10 days for optimal flavor,” says sourdough expert Sarah Owens. “Older discard can taste too sour.”
• Butter Temperature: “Soft but not melted butter ensures a creamy texture,” notes @CookieCraze on X. Let it sit for 30 minutes to soften.
• Kiss Placement: “Press gently to avoid cracking the cookie too much,” advises Chef Dorie Greenspan. Aim for a slight indent.
• Chill for Shape: “Don’t skip chilling; it prevents spreading,” says @SourdoughStar on X. Cold dough holds its shape better.
• Batch Baking: “Bake one sheet at a time for even heat,” recommends pastry chef Claire Saffitz. Store extra dough in the fridge between batches.

Cultural and Culinary Context

Peanut Butter Blossoms originated in 1957, created by Freda Smith for a Pillsbury Bake-Off, where their chocolate kiss topping became iconic. The sourdough twist reflects 2025’s artisanal baking boom, with home bakers embracing discard recipes to reduce waste and add flavor. This fusion honors American cookie traditions while aligning with global sourdough trends, seen in French pain au levain or Italian lievito madre. X posts from @BakingNerds highlight the recipe’s popularity, with users calling it “the perfect holiday cookie upgrade.”

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To save time or enjoy later:

• Prep Ahead: Make the dough up to 2 days in advance, refrigerating tightly wrapped. Let soften slightly before shaping.
• Freeze Dough: Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for 3 months. Roll in sugar and bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the fridge for 10 days, or freeze for 3 months. Layer with parchment to protect kisses.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes to restore freshness.

Repurposing Leftovers

Transform extra cookies into new treats:

• Cookie Crumble: Crush and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt parfaits.
• Truffle Base: Blend with cream cheese, roll into balls, and coat in chocolate for quick truffles.
• Pie Crust: Pulse into crumbs and mix with melted butter for a peanut buttery crust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Old Discard: Using overly fermented discard can make cookies too tangy. Stick to fresh discard.
• Overmixing: Mixing beyond combining dries the dough, leading to tough cookies.
• Skipping Chill: Warm dough spreads excessively, flattening the cookies.
• Late Kiss Placement: Waiting too long to add kisses risks them not sticking. Press immediately.
• Overbaking: Baking past 10 minutes dries the cookies. Aim for slightly soft centers.

Scaling for Crowds

To make 60–72 cookies (e.g., a large cookie swap):

• Double the recipe, working in batches to avoid overmixing.
• Use multiple baking sheets, rotating for even baking.
• Prepare extra kisses (72) and sugar for rolling.
• Freeze half the dough for later if not baking all at once.

Conclusion

Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms are a delightful reinvention of a classic, blending the nutty richness of peanut butter, the tangy depth of sourdough discard, and the sweet pop of chocolate kisses. Yielding 36 cookies, this recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or cozy treats, tapping into 2025’s sourdough and sustainability trends. With a tender, chewy texture and customizable options—gluten-free, vegan, or spiced—these cookies cater to all. By following the detailed recipe, leveraging expert tips, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a batch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Pair with hot cocoa, gift in festive tins, or savor solo—Sourdough Peanut Butter Blossoms are sure to become a new tradition. Grab your discard, unwrap those kisses, and bake a batch of these unforgettable cookies today!

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