The scent of peanut butter and sugar warming in the oven just feels like December. These Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms belong in that cozy moment when friends stop by unannounced, and you rush to fill a plate with something sweet and familiar. One bite, and it’s like every childhood Christmas rolled into a single soft, chocolate-topped cookie.
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Why You’ll Love These Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
These cookies carry a bit of magic. They’re soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced between salty peanut butter and sweet milk chocolate.
They’re also quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Every batch brings back memories of cookie swaps, laughter, and kitchen counters dusted in sugar.
Plus, they stay beautiful even days later, making them perfect for gifting or sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The sturdy base that keeps the cookies soft but structured.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps them puff gently.
- Salt (¼ tsp): A pinch that deepens the peanut flavor.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temp): Adds richness.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Use smooth, not crunchy, for that classic soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup + more for rolling): Gives that pretty crackled top.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Brings caramel notes.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything beautifully.
- Whole milk (2 tbsp): Keeps the dough moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavor.
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses (36): The signature touch that makes them instantly recognizable.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Add both sugars and beat until fluffy. Then mix in egg, milk, and vanilla until everything looks creamy.
Roll and Coat in Sugar
Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each one between your palms until smooth.
Next, roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. This gives that sparkle and crisp bite on the outside.
Bake Until Lightly Golden
Place the dough balls on your sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes until the edges just begin to brown.
They should look slightly underbaked in the center — that’s how they stay soft later.
Add the Chocolate Kiss
Immediately press one chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The edges will crack just slightly, giving that beautiful “blossom” look.
Let them sit for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Always chill your dough for 15–20 minutes if it’s too soft to roll. It makes shaping much easier.
Line pans with parchment for quick cleanup and even baking.
Press the chocolate kisses right after baking so they melt just enough to stick, but not enough to lose shape.
And if you want to experiment, try dark chocolate or white chocolate kisses for a fun twist.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Keep your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you plan to freeze them, it’s best to do so before adding the chocolate. Once baked and cooled, freeze on a tray, then move to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw and add fresh kisses if needed.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture changes slightly. Natural peanut butter makes the dough a bit crumblier and less sweet. If you use it, make sure it’s well stirred.
How do I keep the kisses from melting?
Press them into the cookies right after baking, then move the sheets to a cool surface. The residual heat will soften them slightly but not melt them flat.
Can I make these ahead for the holidays?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a few days ahead and chill it. Or freeze baked cookies (without kisses) and finish them later. Perfect for planning your cookie trays.
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Card
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Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms – Soft, Chewy & Amazing
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies with a sugary, crackled top, each finished with a milk chocolate kiss. Perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
36 unwrapped Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
5. Mix in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix just until combined.
7. Scoop 1 tbsp portions, roll into balls, and coat in granulated sugar.
8. Arrange on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
9. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
10. Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie immediately.
11. Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Yields approx. 36 cookies.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months (freeze without chocolate kisses for best texture).
Let the cookies cool completely before stacking or storing.
For extra flavor, use natural peanut butter, but the texture may vary.
You can chill the dough for easier handling, especially in warmer environments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love holiday cookies, try these next:
- chewy maple cinnamon cookies with white chocolate drizzle
- classic Christmas thumbprint cookies
- gingerbread crinkle cookies for holiday baking
- festive Christmas crock pot peanut clusters
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful about baking Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms in a cozy kitchen while holiday music hums in the background. They’re simple, nostalgic, and filled with love — exactly what the season should taste like.
Bake a batch, wrap a few in ribbon, and share them with someone you care about.
And if you do, come say hi on Pinterest or Facebook — I’d love to see your cookies shine.