Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Nut Butter Blossoms


A while ago, I wanted to make the famous peanut butter blossoms cookies. You know, the ones with Hershey's Kisses on top. I decided I wanted to change things up by adding chocolate hazelnut butter. Isn`t that nutella? Well, yes, but this is slightly different.

Have any of you heard of Justin's Nut Butters before? They are healthier than other nut butters. So, their chocolate hazelnut nut butter is like Nutella, but they have significantly less sugar. No, I`m not being paid to say this! Haha. One day, I decided I`ll give the chocolate hazelnut butter a chance since I`ve stumbled upon the name before online and heard it was delicious.


And, it is! It definitely does not taste like Nutella, as even the texture of the spread is different. But, it`s still a tasty difference. Now, I love Nutella, so I`m not bashing it at all. However, if you are craving a chocolatey spread and want some without feeling guilty for all the sugar...give it a go! In my opinion, it`s pricey for a bottle of this stuff, but I like trying new things! Haha~

These cookies combine crunchy peanut butter and Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter to form a crunchy cookie. I loveee crunchy peanut butter, but if you want to use creamy, it`s totally okay too. Also, do not be worried that it`ll taste healthy because it contains healthier nut butter. My taste tester thought they were good and so did I! :)

The recipe yields 8 small cookies, which I would say, is the perfect amount of cookies to have laying around the house. It`s not too much, so you don`t feel like you have to stuff yourself with more, because you don`t want to waste food before it goes bad.



Nut Butter Blossoms
Adapted from: Allrecipes | Yields: 8 cookies | Level: Easy | Total Time: 35 minutes | Print

Ingredients:
§  2 tablespoons Butter Shortening
§  2 tablespoons Peanut Butter, Crunchy or Creamy
§  2 tablespoons Justin Nut Butter, Hazelnut
§  2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
§  2 tablespoons granulated sugar
§  1/4 large egg (2 teaspoons of beaten egg liquid)
§  1 1/2 teaspoons whole milk
§  1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
§  1/4 cup + 3 teaspoons all purpose flour
§  1/4 teaspoon baking soda
§  dash of salt
§  2 tablespoons sugar, for rolling
§  8 Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
Materials Needed:
-          baking sheet
-          parchment paper/baking mat
-          1 bowl with electric mixer attachment
-          1 medium bowl
-          1 rubber spatula
-          1 small plate
Directions:
1.      Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.      In bowl of electric mixer, beat together the shortening, peanut butter, nut butter, brown sugar, and sugar until combined.
3.      Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4.      In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
5.      Transfer flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and beat together until dough comes together.
6.      Place 2 tablespoons of sugar on a plate for rolling.
7.      Make 1 inch balls and roll into sugar.
8.      Bake for 10-11 minutes, or until slightly golden.
9.      Remove and place on cooling rack.
10.  Press an unwrapped Reese's peanut butter cup on top of each cookie.
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