Here’s How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies That Everyone Will Love

There’s something about baking Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies that instantly takes me back to childhood. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of pressing that chocolate kiss into the soft, warm peanut butter cookie, or maybe it’s just the irresistible combo of peanut butter and chocolate—either way, it’s pure magic.

In just 30 minutes, and with simple ingredients like peanut butter and chocolate, you can whip up a batch of Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies that will become your new go-to treat (whether for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in). Plus, I’m going to share my secret tips for getting that soft center and perfect kiss placement!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy, even for beginners.
• Chewy peanut butter base with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center.
• Ideal for gifting or filling up your Christmas baking trays.
• Customizable—try adding sprinkles or a twist of sea salt!

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe

• Preparation Time: 20-22 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + extra for rolling
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg (or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 24 chocolate kisses (use dark chocolate for a healthier twist)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Creaming the Sugars

• In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. (Tip: Make sure the butter is softened to achieve that smooth texture!)

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. (For a vegan version, use the flax egg.)

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together but don’t overmix to avoid tough cookies. You should have a smooth, workable dough.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar, then place it on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Kiss

• While the cookies are baking, unwrap the chocolate kisses. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press one kiss firmly into the center of each cookie. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Substitution Notes:

• For dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and ensure your chocolate kisses are dairy-free.
• For gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• For vegan: Use a flax egg and a plant-based butter substitute like coconut oil.

Garnishing & Decoration Options:

1. Drizzle with Melted Chocolate: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the tops of the cookies after they have cooled for a decorative touch and added indulgence.
2. Chopped Nuts Topping: Before baking, press a few finely chopped peanuts or almonds into the tops of the cookie dough for extra crunch and visual appeal.
3. Peanut Butter Swirl: After baking, drizzle a small amount of melted peanut butter in a swirl pattern over the cookies. This adds an extra peanut butter kick and a fun design.
4. Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes around the base of the chocolate kiss to give it a tropical twist and visual contrast.

Mistakes to Avoid While Making Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

1. Ingredient Selection:

1. • Peanut Butter Consistency: Using natural peanut butter can sometimes lead to oily dough and flat cookies due to its separation of oils. Opt for processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for better consistency.
   • Chocolate Kiss Mistake: Avoid using any chocolate other than Hershey’s Kisses, as some chocolates may melt too much or not hold their shape.

2. Preparation Pitfalls:

1. • Overmixing the Dough: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of soft, chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.
   • Improper Shaping: Not rolling the dough into even-sized balls can lead to uneven baking, with some cookies being undercooked while others burn.

3. Cooking Techniques:

1. • Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C). Baking at too high or low a temperature can lead to uneven cooking, with the centers being underbaked or the cookies spreading too much.
   • Timing the Kiss Addition: Press the Hershey’s Kiss into the cookies right after they come out of the oven, but don’t wait too long. The cookies should be warm enough to slightly soften the kiss but not melt it completely.

4. Seasoning and Flavoring:

1. • Too Little Salt: Peanut butter is already salty, but if you skip adding a pinch of salt to the dough, you may end up with flat-tasting cookies. Salt enhances sweetness.
   • Flavored Kisses: Some bakers experiment with different flavors of Hershey’s Kisses, which may not always complement the cookie well. Stick to the classic chocolate kiss for the best results.

5. Presentation Tips:

1. • Sugar Coating: Don’t forget to roll the dough balls in sugar before baking. This not only adds sweetness but gives the cookies that signature sparkle. However, avoid rolling them in too much sugar as it may burn.

Pairing Suggestions & Seasonal Variation

1. Pairing Suggestions:

1. • Beverages: Serve Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with a glass of cold milk, or for a more sophisticated twist, pair them with a smooth cappuccino or a hot cup of cocoa.
   • Side Dishes: These cookies are a great complement to a light dessert spread, such as Christmas Baking Recipes, featuring other Xmas Sweets like sugar cookies or Chocolate Hershey brownies.
   • Occasions: Perfect for Holiday Cookie Exchanges or Christmas Dessert Tables, these cookies also work well as gifts when paired with other Baked Goods.

2. Seasonal Variation:

1. • Holiday Season: Add a festive twist by using colored sugar to roll the dough before baking, such as red or green sugar for a Christmas look.
   • Summer Version: For a light, summery feel, swap the Hershey Kiss with a dollop of fruit-flavored jam in the center or try a mini Reese’s cup for an extra peanut-buttery punch.

Pro Tips:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Cold butter can result in unevenly mixed dough, while melted butter may cause the cookies to spread too much.
2. Chilling the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to work with and helps prevent overspreading.
3. Pressing the Kiss: Be gentle when pressing the chocolate kiss into the cookie to avoid cracking the tops.
4. Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to retain their chewy texture.

FAQs:

1. Can I substitute natural peanut butter?

1. • Yes, but you may need to adjust the dough consistency, as natural peanut butter can make the dough more oily. Add a little extra flour to balance it out.

2. What can I use as a gluten-free substitute for flour?

1. • You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

1. • Absolutely. Freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, or freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. How long do the cookies stay fresh?

1. • They stay soft and fresh for about 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container.

Closing Thoughts:

These Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a timeless classic that’s both simple and satisfying. They bring back fond memories of holiday baking with family and always make the dessert table look irresistible. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let your kitchen fill with the warm, nostalgic aroma of peanut butter and chocolate.

I’d love to hear how your Hershey Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies turn out! Whether you try different kiss flavors or add your own twist, share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media. Let’s keep the holiday baking spirit alive!

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe

This Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies recipe is perfect for holiday baking or satisfying that sweet tooth any time of year. With a soft, chewy peanut butter base and a rich chocolate kiss in the center, these cookies are a delicious treat. Here's how to make them step by step!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter or almond butter for a dairy-free option
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar + extra for rolling
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg or flax egg: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 24 chocolate kisses use dark chocolate for a healthier twist

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars.
• Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth.
• Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
• Roll dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Press a chocolate kiss into each cookie while warm. Cool on a wire rack.

Disclaimer: The recipes shared on this blog are based on personal preferences and are provided for informational purposes only. I strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, but cannot guarantee that the information will always be up to date or error-free. They should not be considered as medical or health advice. If you have any health issues, dietary restrictions, or allergies, please consult with a specialist or healthcare provider before trying any recipe. I do not accept responsibility for any adverse effects that may arise from the preparation or consumption of the dishes featured on this site. Also, the final outcome of the recipes can look different depending on a lot of factors, including the cooking temperature, process, utensils you use, spices, etc. Enjoy responsibly!