Deliciously Soft Peanut Butter Blossoms for Every Occasion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about Peanut Butter Blossoms that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. I remember the exact moment I first nailed this recipe in my kitchen. It was a chilly afternoon, and I was searching for the perfect holiday cookies to share. The surprise was in how the soft peanut butter cookie base paired so beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss on top. That first bite was a little revelation—comforting, sweet, and inviting, all wrapped into one.

What makes these Peanut Butter Blossoms a true standout for me is how they capture the heart of home cooking in every bite. They aren’t fussy or intimidating but still offer a classic Christmas treat feel that feels like a special occasion any day. This recipe fits perfectly with my philosophy of approachable, comforting meals that bring people close around the kitchen table.

Over many tests, I tweaked the classic soft peanut butter cookie recipe until it felt just right—delightfully tender but sturdy enough to hold that iconic chocolate kiss without sinking. I’ve seen how these cookies light up faces during holiday cookie swaps, and how a simple tray of Peanut Butter Blossoms can turn busy nights into moments filled with sweetness and smiles.

Right now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you too can enjoy the magic of Peanut Butter Blossoms—cookies that feel effortlessly special and create those warm, connected moments we all crave. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration or a casual afternoon treat, these Peanut Butter Blossoms promise delicious comfort, every time.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms including peanut butter, butter, sugars, flour, and chocolate kisses

Here’s a Peanut Butter Blossoms ingredient list that keeps things simple but delivers incredible comfort. Using creamy peanut butter is the secret to that perfect soft peanut butter cookie texture.

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Butter adds richness without overpowering.
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – This Peanut Butter Blossoms ingredient makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Brown sugar brings moisture and depth.
  • 1 large egg – Helps bind everything for the perfect cookie dough.
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base flour provides structure.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda – To give the cookies that soft rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • About 48 chocolate kisses (unwrapped) – The classic signature topping for Peanut Butter Blossoms.

You’ll find the best ingredients for these Peanut Butter Blossoms at your local grocery or specialty stores that carry quality baking supplies. If you want to splurge on one ingredient, I recommend going for fresh high-quality peanut butter—free from added oils or sugars—because it truly lifts the flavor.

For gluten-free options, you can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and the cookies still turn out beautifully. Looking to add your twist? Try rolling these Peanut Butter Blossoms in chopped peanuts or coarse sugar crystals before baking for a bit of extra crunch and sparkle.

Keep your ingredients at room temperature for the easiest prep and best results. This simple prep sets you up for a smooth, stress-free baking session.

Let’s Make This!

Ready for some heartwarming baking? Your Peanut Butter Blossoms are going to turn out beautifully with these straightforward steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and keeps the bottoms golden, just right.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Your dough will start coming together nicely now.
  4. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, then gradually add the dry ingredients to your peanut butter mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix, or it could make your Peanut Butter Blossoms tough.
  5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. You’ll get about 48 cookies from this batch—perfect for sharing.
  6. Roll each ball in granulated sugar, coating it well. This step creates a pretty crinkly surface after baking, giving a homemade look to each Peanut Butter Blossoms cookie.
  7. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know your Peanut Butter Blossoms are ready when they’re just set and barely golden around the edges.
  9. Immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The chocolate will soften but hold shape beautifully.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Here’s a helpful tip for Peanut Butter Blossoms success: avoid overbaking. These cookies are at their best when soft and tender, not crispy. The residual heat from the pan finishes them nicely after you press in the chocolate kisses.

During baking, your kitchen will fill with the wonderful aroma of toasted peanut butter and sweet chocolate—a true comfort scent that’s hard to resist. This is where your Peanut Butter Blossoms transform into something truly special!

While your Peanut Butter Blossoms cool, consider gathering your family or friends to help pack them into tins or boxes. This simple act turns baking into celebration, one cookie at a time.

Serving & Presentation:

Finished Peanut Butter Blossoms cookies arranged on a festive platter for serving

People always smile when I serve this Peanut Butter Blossoms at holiday gatherings or casual coffee breaks. The combination of the soft peanut butter cookie with the chocolate kisses on top creates an irresistible balance that guests rave about every time.

To present these Peanut Butter Blossoms for maximum enjoyment, arrange them neatly on a festive platter. You can add a sprig of fresh rosemary or some cranberries around the edges for a seasonal touch that’s simple but elegant.

Pair Peanut Butter Blossoms with a cup of warm milk, hot cocoa, or even a mild coffee to enhance the chocolate and peanut butter combination. These cookies also make a sweet finish after holiday meals or a lovely treat at afternoon tea.

This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe makes fantastic holiday cookies, but they’re equally lovely for winter brunch tables or birthday parties. The look on faces when they bite into a soft cookie bursting with peanut butter and chocolate is priceless.

Leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week and stay deliciously soft. I’ve also tested a variation by dipping half of the cooled cookie base in melted chocolate for a double chocolate-peanut butter treat—something fun and indulgent to try adding to your recipe list.

If you want more seasonal spins on peanut butter treats, check out my peanut butter cookie bites, peanut butter pie, and old-fashioned peanut butter pie recipes—they all bring joy to any dessert table!

FAQs:

Here are some of your questions about making Peanut Butter Blossoms—answered with love and learnings from my kitchen experience.

Can I make this Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just roll the dough into balls, store them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap, and bake when ready. Also, the baked cookies keep well in airtight containers for a week.

What if I don’t have creamy peanut butter?
Natural or homemade peanut butter can work, but creamy is best here for that soft peanut butter cookie texture. If your peanut butter separates, stir it well before measuring. Avoid chunky peanut butter for this recipe.

How do I know when my Peanut Butter Blossoms are perfectly done?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers feel slightly soft. They firm up as they cool, ending with the perfect soft bite.

Can I substitute the chocolate kisses with other chocolates?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips or chunks can be pressed into the cookies warm instead of chocolate kisses. For larger gatherings, Reese’s peanut butter cups broken into pieces are a fun alternative.

Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Freeze baked Peanut Butter Blossoms in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I make these vegan?
Swap the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg. Look for dairy-free chocolate kisses or chips.

Why do some recipes say to flatten the dough balls before baking?
For Peanut Butter Blossoms, leaving the dough as balls and rolling them in sugar creates that classic crinkled look when baked. Flattening changes the texture and shape but isn’t necessary for this traditional soft peanut butter cookie recipe.

Fellow food lovers who want more inspiration, I also love the Peanut Butter Blossoms from Preppy Kitchen, Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms at Sally’s Baking, and Betty Crocker’s version—each brings a wonderful take on this classic Christmas treat!

Why This Peanut Butter Blossoms Will Become Your New Favorite:

This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe embodies everything I stand for: approachable, comforting, and simply delicious. It’s a soft peanut butter cookie recipe that feels special without being complicated, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting every time you bake it.

My Peanut Butter Blossoms Success Tips:

  • Use fresh, creamy peanut butter for the best cookie texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overbake; take the cookies out when they still feel a little soft.
  • Press chocolate kisses into cookies immediately after baking for perfect soft chocolate touch.

I love to mix things up with variations like rolling the dough balls in chopped peanuts, dipping cookies halfway in chocolate, or swapping chocolate kisses for peanut butter cup pieces. The classic chocolate kiss-topped version always gets the most smiles and “oohs” from my family and friends.

I encourage you to add this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe to your baking repertoire. It’s a delicious creation that’s simple, inviting, and sure to become a crowd favorite. I’m confident your baking will turn out beautifully, creating sweet moments you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Please share your Peanut Butter Blossoms memories or tweaks—you never know whose kitchen might brighten from your success! For more peanut butter inspiration, don’t miss my peanut butter cookie bites, peanut butter pie, or old-fashioned peanut butter pie—each one a comforting treat for the soul. Happy baking!

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Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a classic Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for any holiday or everyday treat.

  • Author: Carmen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 48 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Granulated sugar, for rolling
  • About 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cream together butter, peanut butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Beat in egg until light and fluffy.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to peanut butter mixture alternately with milk, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, roll in granulated sugar, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
  8. Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
  9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges.
  10. Remove from baking sheet to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

For variety, try using dark chocolate or peppermint Kisses during the holidays for a festive twist.

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