Are you tired of cookie recipes that promise greatness but leave you with flat, flavorless results? I’ve been there too! These Peanut Butter Blossoms are the answer to your cookie dilemmas, delivering that perfect combination of chewy peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss center that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and these Peanut Butter Blossoms have been my secret weapon for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges for years. My grandmother first taught me this recipe when I was just eight years old, standing on a stool in her kitchen. The joy on everyone’s faces when they bit into these cookies is what inspired my love of baking and eventually led to GusRecipes.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about making perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms – from ingredient selection and mixing techniques to storage tips and creative variations that will impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs. Get ready for tips on achieving that perfect crackly top, the right timing for adding chocolate kisses, and troubleshooting common cookie problems.
Why These Peanut Butter Blossoms Work
- Uses simple pantry ingredients most bakers already have on hand
- Requires just 15 minutes of prep time before baking
- Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, after-school snacks, or weekend baking projects
- Creates that nostalgic combination of chocolate and peanut butter everyone loves
- Delivers cookies with the ideal texture slightly crisp edges with soft, chewy centers
- Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Best Peanut Butter Options
When making Peanut Butter Blossoms, traditional creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) creates the most reliable texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter can separate and affect the cookie structure, though it can work if thoroughly stirred. Crunchy peanut butter adds interesting texture but changes the classic cookie profile.
Chocolate Kiss Selection
While traditional milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are the classic choice for Peanut Butter Blossoms, don’t be afraid to experiment! Dark chocolate kisses add sophistication, while seasonal varieties like caramel-filled or candy cane striped kisses can create holiday-themed variations.
Sugar Considerations
The signature crackly top on Peanut Butter Blossoms comes from rolling the dough in granulated sugar before baking. For extra sparkle, try using coarse sugar or colored sugar crystals during holiday seasons.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Cookie Dough Essentials
- Properly softened butter (65-67°F) not melted, not cold
- Room temperature eggs for better incorporation
- Measuring flour by spooning into cups and leveling off (avoid packing)
Key Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 24-36 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Pantry Staples
- Pure vanilla extract (not imitation) for best flavor
- Fresh baking soda (check expiration date)
- Fine sea salt to enhance the peanut butter flavor
Step-by-Step Peanut Butter Blossom Instructions
Pre-Baking Prep for Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Unwrap all chocolate kisses before beginning (this saves stress later!).
- Prepare a small bowl with extra granulated sugar for rolling.
Mixing Peanut Butter Blossom Dough
- Cream butter and peanut butter together until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate egg, milk, and vanilla, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Shaping and Baking Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls (a cookie scoop helps with uniformity).
- Roll each ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
- Place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just set but centers still look soft.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling Peanut Butter Blossoms
Let cookies cool completely (about 45 minutes) before storing to prevent chocolate kisses from losing their shape. For picture-perfect presentation, avoid touching the chocolate kisses until fully set.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
Avoiding Common Cookie Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the dough once flour is added (causes tough cookies)
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft or sticky
- Use light-colored baking sheets to prevent over-browning
- Rotate pans halfway through baking for even results
Tool Recommendations
- Cookie scoop for uniform dough balls (1-tablespoon size works perfectly)
- Silicone baking mats for even heat distribution
- Wire cooling racks to prevent soggy bottoms
- Timer with loud alert – timing is crucial for these cookies!
Storage & Freezing
- Store cooled cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment for up to 3 months
- Freeze unbaked, sugar-rolled dough balls for up to 3 months (add 1-2 minutes to bake time)
Looking for more cookie inspiration? Check out my Pinterest where I’ve gathered hundreds of tested and perfected cookie recipes for every occasion!
Flavor Variations for Peanut Butter Blossoms
Holiday Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Roll in colored sugar to match seasonal themes
- Use Hershey’s Hugs (striped kisses) for a striking appearance
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a warm winter flavor
Dietary-Friendly Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut-free versions
- Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive guests
- Replace butter with coconut oil for dairy-free options (note: affects texture slightly)
Gourmet Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for double chocolate impact
- Mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped peanuts for texture contrast
- Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate for elegant presentation
| Variation | Ingredients to Add/Substitute | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Double Chocolate | Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to dough | Chocolate lovers |
| Salted PB | Sprinkle flaky sea salt on cookies after baking | Sophisticated palates |
| Nutella Blossoms | Replace kisses with 1 tsp Nutella pressed into centers | Hazelnut fans |
| Spiced PB | Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg to dough | Fall gatherings |
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Arrange on a tiered cookie platter with other holiday favorites for visual impact
- Pair with a cold glass of milk for the classic after-school snack experience
- Serve warm (microwave for 10 seconds) with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
- Include in cookie gift boxes with a ribbon and custom tag for homemade holiday gifts
FAQs About Peanut Butter Blossoms
Why did my chocolate kisses melt completely?
If your kisses are melting too much, your cookies might still be too hot. Let the cookies cool for 1-2 minutes after removing from the oven before adding the kisses.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
While traditional peanut butter produces more consistent results, natural peanut butter can work if it’s well-stirred and not too oily. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of flour.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in an airtight container the bread will release moisture that keeps the cookies soft. Replace the bread slice every couple of days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Let it come to cool room temperature before rolling and baking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This is usually caused by butter that’s too warm or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking or adding 1-2 tablespoons more flour.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms aren’t just cookies they’re little packages of joy that bring back childhood memories with every bite. The magic combination of tender peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss center creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that keeps everyone reaching for “just one more.”
I hope this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your home, just as it has been in mine for generations. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange, weekend family treat, or simply because it’s Tuesday, these Peanut Butter Blossoms are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Don’t forget to tag @GusRecipes when you share your cookie creations on social media I’d love to see your baking success!
Happy baking, friends!
Print
Peanut Butter Blossoms: Best Cookies That Wow Every Time!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a rich Hershey’s Kiss. A beloved holiday favorite that combines nutty flavor with just the right touch of chocolate.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup additional granulated sugar (for rolling)
36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each in granulated sugar.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
9. Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie while still warm.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
Use dark chocolate or caramel-filled Kisses for a fun twist.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: peanut butter blossoms, Christmas cookies, Hershey’s Kiss cookies, holiday baking, peanut butter treats