If you have a soft spot for classic cookies that balance rich peanut butter flavor with a gooey chocolate center, then this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is an absolute must-try. These iconic treats combine a tender, chewy peanut butter cookie rolled in sugar with a perfectly nestled chocolate kiss on top, creating that perfect sweet and salty harmony everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd or simply craving a nostalgic delight, these cookies deliver a cozy, irresistible bite every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples, this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe proves how simplicity can lead to seriously scrumptious results. Every ingredient plays its role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of these timeless cookies.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender texture.
- Peanut butter (½ cup): Brings that signature nutty flavor and moisture to the cookie dough.
- All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): Creates the structure that holds the cookie together.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a depth of caramel flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything and gives the dough a light lift.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): A leavening agent that helps with gentle rising and texture.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Works alongside baking soda for the perfect cookie rise.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
- Unwrapped chocolate kisses (44 pieces): The classic chocolate centerpiece that melts just right.
- Granulated sugar (for rolling): Gives the cookies a sparkling sugary crust and adds a subtle crunch.
How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven up to 375ºF. While it’s warming, line your cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Setting up now means you’ll be ready to pop those cookies in as soon as the dough is ready.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and peanut butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds. This step combines the fats and prepares a smooth base that promises a melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Dry and Wet Ingredients
Mix in half of the flour alongside both sugars, the egg, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is just combined, then gradually add the remaining flour. This method helps keep your dough tender, avoiding overmixing that can make cookies tough.
Step 4: Shape and Roll in Sugar
Form your cookie dough into 1-inch balls—using a small scoop makes this quick and consistent. Roll each ball in granulated sugar; this adds a lovely sparkle and a bit of texture once baked. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet to give them room to spread.
Step 5: Bake and Add Chocolate Kisses
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes until they are lightly golden. The secret to the perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe lies in this step: the moment the cookies come out of the oven, gently press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This way, the chocolate softens and melds with the peanut butter cookie without melting completely.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack to set their shape and texture. For about 15 to 20 minutes, pop them into the refrigerator—this quick chill helps the chocolate set firmly and makes handling them easier.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when garnishing Peanut Butter Blossoms. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate kiss elevates the flavor without overshadowing the cookie’s classic charm. You could also try finely chopped peanuts for an extra textural crunch.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, whether cow’s or a plant-based option like almond or oat milk. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to enhance the chocolate-peanut butter magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe the star of any dessert table by arranging them on a tiered stand or serving platter lined with festive doilies. For gift-giving, package them in a decorative tin or a clear box tied with a colorful ribbon—because who doesn’t love receiving homemade cookies that look as good as they taste?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your peanut butter blossoms fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent any sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save some for later, freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate kisses) layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully and add fresh chocolate kisses pressed into the warm cookies either by reheating briefly or letting them soften naturally at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked taste, warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or lightly in a low-temperature oven. Adding the chocolate kiss right after reheating helps recreate that gooey center that makes this Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe so beloved.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can swap in crunchy peanut butter if you like a bit more texture, but keep in mind the cookies might be less tender. Both versions work well, so it depends on your personal preference.
Why do I need both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both gives these cookies a perfect rise and texture. Baking soda helps them spread a little, while baking powder provides lift, resulting in a tender but structured cookie.
Can I substitute the chocolate kisses with another chocolate?
Absolutely! While traditional Hershey’s Kisses are classic, you can experiment with mini chocolate chips, chocolate-covered caramels, or any small chocolate piece you love. Just make sure they’re unwrapped to avoid any baking issues.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough isn’t necessary for this recipe since the sugar rolling helps control the spread, but chilling for 30 minutes can make shaping easier and slightly improve the flavor depth.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Using softened—not melted—butter and chilling the dough if needed helps control spreading. Also, spacing the dough balls sufficiently on the baking sheet prevents them from merging into one another as they bake.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a batch of Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe cookies fresh out of the oven—sweet, nutty, and with that little chocolate surprise that never gets old. Whether for a party, a gift, or just because, these cookies are worth every step in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love just like I did!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 44 cookies
- Category: Dessert/Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are delightful cookies featuring a soft peanut butter base rolled in sugar and crowned with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate kiss. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping and Coating
- 44 unwrapped chocolate kisses
- Granulated sugar (for rolling cookie dough)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened butter and peanut butter for about 30 seconds until creamy. Gradually add ½ cup of the flour, both sugars, the egg, baking soda, baking powder, and vanilla extract, and beat until thoroughly combined. Then, mix in the remaining flour until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Form the dough into 1-inch balls using a small scoop or your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat completely. Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheet to allow spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven.
- Add Chocolate Kisses: Immediately after baking, press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. This helps the chocolate soften and adhere to the cookie.
- Cool and Set: Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack and refrigerate them for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling step allows the chocolate to firm up and the cookies to fully set for the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft but hold their shape.
- Use peanut butter without added sugar for balanced sweetness.
- For a festive twist, try using flavored chocolate kisses like mint or caramel.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
