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Keystone State Confections: Pennsylvania’s Most Popular Holiday Cookie
December 20, 2023
Pennsylvania is popular for many food favorites; whoopie pies, cheesesteaks, and soft pretzels are only a few of the state's claims to fame. Cookies are some of the most popular foods available this time of year, especially in Lancaster County. But have you ever wondered what Pennsylvania's most popular holiday cookie is? You've come to the right place.
Pennsylvania's Most Popular Holiday Cookie
According to Google Trends, the most-searched cookie recipe in Pennsylvania over the holidays is the famous peanut butter blossom!
The peanut butter blossom was created in 1957 by Freda Smith. She made a thick, peanut butter cookie topped with a singular Hershey's Kiss to enter in the annual Pillsbury bake-off. Freda's cookie did not win first place, but it was a popular runner-up, sparking interest in bakers everywhere.
Later, Freda's recipe was published in a series of cookbooks. This ultimately launched the peanut butter blossom's popularity, and soon, Americans everywhere began to make the treat.
While this cookie is a favorite in all of America, the recipe is the most popular in Pennsylvania. Other states that love this recipe include Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. And even though the Hershey's Kiss was this cookie's first and most famous piece of chocolate, Lancaster locals will argue Wilbur Buds are the way to go!
Which Recipe Should I Use?
There are multitudes of peanut butter blossom recipes, some passed down in families from generation to generation.
Some, like my mother, claim that Amish cookbooks are the best for baked recipes. For your next holiday party, I've attached the peanut butter blossoms recipe from my childhood, straight from my family's favorite Amish cookbook.
Best of luck with your baking, and I hope you enjoy it!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients:
- 3 and ½ cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- ¾ tsp. salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 pound chocolate stars (or Hershey’s kisses, Wilbur buds, etc.)
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 4 eggs
- 4 tbsp. milk
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Combine all dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients except chocolate. Mix thoroughly and shape into balls, roll in sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Top each cookie with a chocolate piece when removed from the oven.
References:
https://quaintcooking.com/2021/12/16/the-history-of-peanut-blossom-cookies/
https://www.hersheyland.com/stories/the-history-of-peanut-butter-blossoms.html