Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe for Sweet Lovers

These classic peanut butter blossoms always spark joy at gatherings.

My grandma’s cherished recipe became a beloved tradition in our household.

Soft, chewy cookies with chocolate kiss centers create irresistible magic on dessert plates.

Little hands love helping press chocolate kisses into warm, golden dough.

Sweet aromas of freshly baked treats fill kitchens with nostalgic comfort.

Rich peanut butter combines perfectly with smooth chocolate for an iconic cookie experience.

Bake a batch and watch smiles light up around the table.

  • Quick and Easy Delight: Whip up these irresistible peanut butter blossoms in just 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and fun Kiss-pressing technique make this recipe a fantastic way to bond with children, teaching them basic baking skills while creating delicious memories.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Classic: These cookies combine the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, guaranteeing smiles at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations with their nostalgic charm.
  • Beginner Baker's Triumph: Straightforward steps and minimal equipment mean even novice bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results, boosting confidence in the kitchen with each batch of golden, chocolatey treats.

What Goes Into These Classic Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture for classic cookie taste.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds moisture and helps create a tender cookie base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to cookie's texture and caramel-like depth.
Flour Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the cookie, creating proper texture and shape.
  • Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness of the cookie.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create softer cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, classic baking flavor.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Hershey's Kiss: Chocolate centerpiece that creates signature cookie look and adds chocolate burst.
  • Extra Granulated Sugar: Used for rolling cookie dough, creates sweet exterior crunch.

Instructions for the Perfect Peanut Butter Base

Instructions for the Perfect Peanut Butter Base

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • Smooth peanut butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
Beat these ingredients until they’re light and fluffy like a cloud. Next, mix in:
  • One egg
  • Splash of milk
  • Vanilla extract
In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Cookie Balls

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into perfect spheres. Give each ball a delightful roll in granulated sugar, creating a sparkly exterior. Place the sugared balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading.

Step 4: Bake and Decorate

Pop the cookies into the oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for slightly golden edges with soft centers. The moment they emerge, gently press a Hersheys Kiss into the center of each cookie, creating those signature cracked edges.

Step 5: Cool and Devour

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now comes the best part – enjoying your homemade treats with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee!

Pro Tip: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon snacks, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Baking Tips to Get That Signature Look

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour, sugar, and butter to ensure consistent cookie texture and prevent dry or overly soft results.
  • Soften Butter Correctly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, creating a smooth, creamy base that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
  • Kiss Placement Technique: Press chocolate kisses into warm cookies immediately after baking, allowing them to slightly melt and create a beautiful glossy finish.
  • Chill Dough Option: Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a more compact, rounded shape.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk to make these cookies suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan friends.

How to Keep Blossoms Fresh and Soft

  • Preserve your delicious peanut butter blossoms with these simple storage techniques.
  • Seal completely cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and rich flavor.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the chocolate kiss's pristine appearance.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Refrigerate the cookies for extended freshness, where they'll remain delectable for up to a week.
  • Freeze for long-term storage by placing cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper.
  • Frozen cookies can last up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy these treats whenever a sweet craving strikes.
  • Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for best taste and texture, ensuring they remain as delightful as the day they were baked.

Tasty Sips and Snacks to Pair With Them

  • Savor with Sweet Milk: Pair these classic peanut butter blossoms with a cold glass of whole milk for a nostalgic, creamy companion that perfectly balances the rich, sweet cookie.
  • Complement with Coffee: Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of medium-roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and brings out the deep nutty flavors of the peanut butter.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a delightful dessert by serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cool creaminess to melt against the warm, chocolatey kiss.
  • Enhance with Chocolate Liqueur: For an adult twist, serve with a small glass of chocolate liqueur that echoes the Hershey's Kiss and amplifies the cookie's decadent chocolate-peanut butter profile.
  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Swap: Replace Hershey's Kisses with dark chocolate chips or chunks for an intense cocoa flavor. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch and nutty richness.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with creamy almond butter for a different nutty profile. Top with sliced almonds instead of chocolate for a lighter, more delicate cookie.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace traditional chocolate with gluten-free chocolate drops for celiac-friendly comfort.
  • Salted Caramel Upgrade: Press a small caramel piece into the center instead of chocolate kiss. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination that elevates the classic cookie experience.

Questions About Peanut Butter Blossoms

  • What makes Peanut Butter Blossoms so special?

These cookies are a classic favorite that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a sweet chocolate kiss, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes that everyone loves.

  • Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes! Creamy or crunchy peanut butter both work great. Just avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it might change the cookie’s texture.

  • Why do I press the Hershey's Kiss into the hot cookie?

The warm cookie slightly melts the chocolate, helping it stick perfectly and creating that iconic soft chocolate center that makes these cookies so irresistible.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your butter isn’t too soft. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

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Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 30 1x

Description

Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms bring nostalgic holiday cheer with their irresistible chocolate kiss center and crumbly peanut butter cookie base. Delightful cookies promise sweet memories and warm gatherings that welcome comfort and joy in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 2430 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • ½ cup (110g) brown sugar, packed

Flavor and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring even heat distribution and easy cookie removal.
  2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully integrated.
  3. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
  4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a uniform dough forms without overmixing, which could result in tough cookies.
  5. Form small spherical portions of dough, rolling each between your palms to create smooth, consistent balls. Delicately coat each ball in granulated sugar, creating a sparkling exterior.
  6. Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading during baking.
  7. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for golden edges and slightly soft centers that indicate perfect doneness.
  8. Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hersheys Kiss into the center of each cookie, allowing the warmth to create a slight cracking effect around the chocolate.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a brief cooling period, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing continued baking.

Notes

  • Soften butter and peanut butter at room temperature beforehand to ensure smooth, even mixing and perfect cookie texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent excessive spreading and create more defined, round cookies.
  • For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain the classic soft, chewy texture.
  • Experiment with different chocolate kiss flavors like caramel, dark chocolate, or seasonal varieties to add unique twists to the classic recipe.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 30
  • Calories: 185
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 118mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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