There’s something magical about the smell of peanut butter cookies baking on a cold December afternoon. The warmth fills the house, kids sneak spoonfuls of dough, and that little chocolate Kiss waiting on top feels like the final touch of love. Peanut Butter Blossoms turn any moment into a cozy, sweet memory.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Peanut Butter Blossoms because they’re soft, chewy, and filled with the nostalgic taste of classic Christmas cookies. The sugar-coated edges sparkle just enough to feel festive, and that Hershey’s Kiss in the center gives the perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite.
They’re simple to make, fun to bake with kids, and easy to prep ahead. In fact, you can chill the dough early and bake fresh batches whenever you want that warm peanut butter aroma in your kitchen.
Key Ingredients Overview
Peanut Butter
Creamy peanut butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and soft, chewy center. It’s the star of the show, so pick one that tastes just right to you. Avoid natural peanut butter if possible—it can make the dough too crumbly.
Butter & Sugars
Butter adds flavor and moisture, while a mix of brown and white sugar creates a soft texture with that golden, caramelized edge. Be sure to beat them well until fluffy; that’s how you get the perfect cookie bite.
Hershey’s Kisses
The signature chocolate topper! Press them gently into each warm cookie right after baking so they soften slightly but keep their shape. The contrast between chocolate and peanut butter makes every bite irresistible.
Dry Ingredients (Flour, Baking Soda, Salt)
These build structure and balance. The baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly, while salt brings out every flavor note—especially the peanut butter.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
First, beat butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Add both sugars and continue mixing until the texture looks fluffy and light.
Next, mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mix until a soft dough forms.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each in sugar. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are set.
Finally, press a Hershey’s Kiss into each warm cookie. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Blossoms
Always chill your dough—it makes shaping easier and helps cookies stay thick and chewy.
Use a small cookie scoop for even portions, so all your blossoms bake evenly. Also, work in batches; press the chocolates right after baking so they melt slightly but don’t lose their shape.
If your Kisses start melting too fast, chill them briefly before pressing into cookies.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay soft and chewy, especially if you place a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture.
To freeze, you can either store baked cookies in layers separated by parchment or freeze dough balls before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the cook time.
If you want to make them ahead, freeze the dough balls and press Kisses after baking. It’s an easy way to have fresh-baked cookies anytime.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture will change. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and makes the dough oily or dry. It’s best to use a regular creamy version.
Why did my cookies crack too much?
That usually happens if the dough isn’t chilled long enough or if your oven runs a bit hot. Try reducing the bake time slightly or chilling the dough longer next time.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes, both freeze beautifully. Freeze dough balls on a tray first, then store in a bag for easy baking later. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Card
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Peanut Butter Blossoms | Amazing Holiday Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a Hershey’s Kiss. Classic holiday favorite.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth.
2. Add sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Chill dough for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll in sugar.
9. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set.
11. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie.
12. Cool cookies on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Chill dough for better shape retention.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
Work in batches if needed to prevent Hershey’s Kisses from melting before placement.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can be made ahead of time; freeze dough balls and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 88mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 9mg
More Such Recipes
If you love holiday baking, try these too:
- Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe for a timeless version.
- Christmas Thumbprint Cookies You’ll Love for a colorful cookie tray.
- Festive Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies for a pop of red holiday cheer.
- Easy Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies if you crave something creamy and spiced.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Blossoms aren’t just cookies—they’re tiny bites of holiday joy. The mix of sweet chocolate and soft peanut butter feels familiar yet special every single time.
Bake them for friends, share them at work, or save a few for yourself with a cup of cocoa. You’ll find that these little cookies bring smiles just as much as they satisfy cravings.
Check out more cozy holiday baking ideas on Pinterest and follow along on Facebook for new seasonal favorites.