There is a certain magic in a cookie that captures both salty and sweet notes perfectly. These classic peanut butter blossoms bring back such good memories for me every single time I bake them. The soft, chewy texture melts right against that little foil-wrapped chocolate centerpiece. Truly, this recipe for peanut butter blossoms is a timeless favorite around my house.
We often make a big batch right before the holidays arrive. Furthermore, they disappear just as fast, which is always the best compliment. You will see how simple these iconic cookies are to assemble, even on a busy afternoon.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe wins every time for a few simple reasons. First, the prep time is amazingly short compared to other holiday treats. Second, they always come out looking picture-perfect without much fuss. Everyone adores biting into that familiar combination of creamy peanut butter and milk chocolate. Plus, making a large batch of peanut butter blossoms means easy sharing!
Peanut butter blossoms Ingredients
Gathering these few simple pantry staples creates something truly wonderful. The combination of butter, both sugars, and creamy peanut butter forms that wonderfully tender cookie base. Next, flour, baking soda, and salt work together to give structure and loft. Of course, the star ingredient remains the Hershey’s Kisses, which become like little pools of fudge on top. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Tips
- Peanut Butter Swap: If allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter works well here.
- Flavor Boost: Add one extra half teaspoon of vanilla extract to deepen the background flavor.
- Storage Shortcut: Rolling the dough balls ahead of time saves cleanup later.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer for creaming butter and sugars.
- Two large mixing bowls for wet and dry items.
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
- A small cookie scoop helps keep the peanut butter blossoms uniform.
- Wire cooling racks allow for proper air circulation.
How to Make Peanut butter blossoms
Preparing the Dough Base
First, you must preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line your baking sheets using parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until they look light and fluffy. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract completely. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Rolling and Initial Bake
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix everything until a very soft dough just starts to come together. Do not overmix this dough, please. Place the remaining granulated sugar into a completely shallow bowl for rolling. Roll your dough into small one-inch balls. Next, roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sugar coating so it is fully covered.
Adding the Chocolate Center
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about two inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake these cookies for only eight to ten minutes initially. Look for edges that are barely golden brown. The tops should show slight cracks, but do not overbake them. Immediately remove them from the oven when done. Quickly press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss right into the center of each hot cookie. Allow them to cool slightly before moving them to a rack.
How to Store Peanut butter blossoms
Storing your homemade peanut butter blossoms correctly keeps them perfectly soft. Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will usually last well for about five days this way. For longer keeping, freezing is a great option. Place a layer of wax paper between rows before freezing them solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies into a sturdy freezer bag for up to three months.
Tips for Success
- Remember to use softened butter, not melted butter, for the best texture.
- Do not overbake! Underdone means wonderfully chewy centers later on.
- Press the chocolate kiss in immediately after they come out of the hot oven.
- Chill the dough for thirty minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm outside.
- Make sure your peanut butter is the creamy kind, not the natural runny kind.
Serving Suggestions
- These cookies pair wonderfully with cold milk, naturally.
- Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa for an afternoon treat.
- A dusting of sea salt flakes just before serving adds flair.
- Include them on a platter with lemon bars for contrast.
Peanut butter blossoms
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: Approx. 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic holiday cookie featuring a soft, chewy peanut butter base topped with a chocolate kiss center.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Approx. 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Approx. 40 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the peanut butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- Place the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the sugar-coated balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are slightly cracked (do not overbake).
- Immediately upon removing from the oven, press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate will soften, then set.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be slightly underdone when removed from the oven to ensure a soft texture.
- Pressing the Hershey’s Kiss immediately after baking allows the heat from the cookie to slightly melt the base of the chocolate, helping it adhere.
- The chocolate will soften and then set as the cookies cool.











