Name: Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 24 chocolate candy kisses, such as Hershey's

There’s something about that perfect bite of sweet peanut butter cookie topped with a melty chocolate kiss that just feels like a warm hug. The Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe has been a favorite in my kitchen for years because it's simple, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser.

A close-up view of several round light brown cookies on a white plate, each with a textured cracked surface and a dark brown smooth chocolate drop placed in the center on top. The cookies have a rough sugar coating that gives a sparkling look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth nearby, and a woman's hand holding one cookie is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures everything I want from a holiday cookie and then some. It’s quick to whip up, uses ingredients most of us always have on hand, and that signature kiss of chocolate in the center adds a fun, nostalgic flair that guests always ask about.

Quick and Easy: The dough comes together in minutes, making it perfect for last-minute baking or festive cookie swaps.
Perfect Texture: Soft on the inside with just the right amount of chewiness, these cookies never disappoint.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling the dough balls in sugar and pressing the chocolate kiss on top makes baking a joyful activity for all ages.
Classic Appeal: This recipe has stood the test of time because it hits that perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate flavor.

The image shows seven round cookies on a black wire cooling rack over a wood surface. Each cookie has one layer, with a light golden cracked surface texture, and is covered in sugar crystals. At the center of every cookie is a smooth, shiny dollop of milk chocolate with a small peak. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with the cookies evenly spaced and slightly overlapping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe plays a vital role. From the creamy peanut butter that offers richness to the sugar creating just enough sweetness and crisp edges, the balance is spot on. Plus, simple pantry staples make shopping a breeze.

Flat lay of creamy peanut butter in a smooth swirl, soft unsalted butter blocks, packed brown sugar mounds, granulated white sugar crystals sparkling, a fresh brown egg, small heaps of all-purpose flour, golden chocolate candy kisses with shiny wrappers, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sugar (granulated and brown): The brown sugar keeps these cookies moist and adds depth with its slight molasses flavor, while granulated sugar gives crispness and the perfect dusting finish.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a smooth peanut butter for that classic creamy texture without any chunks that could disrupt the soft bite.
Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy mixing; unsalted allows better control over the saltiness of the cookie.
Egg: Acts as a binder and helps provide structure so your cookies hold their shape but stay soft.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough, giving it just the right heft to hold without being heavy.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents give a gentle rise and lightness to the cookies, keeping them tender.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the peanut butter flavor.
Chocolate Candy Kisses: The star chocolate centerpiece that melts just enough to meld perfectly without overpowering the peanut butter.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing with this recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap in dark chocolate kisses for a richer flavor, or add a sprinkle of sea salt right after baking for an addictive sweet-salty twist. Don’t be afraid to make it yours!

Variation: Try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture—I found it gives the cookies a delightful little surprise inside.
Dietary modification: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if you want to make these for gluten-sensitive friends.
Extra flair: Roll the cookie dough balls in crushed peanuts mixed with sugar for a nutty crust that adds crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Step 1: Cream together the base ingredients

Start by combining the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and egg in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is key to incorporating air for softer cookies, so don’t rush it. I usually scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice to make sure everything's even.

Step 2: Mix in the dry ingredients

Next, switch your mixer to low and gradually add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing slowly prevents flour flying everywhere and ensures the dry ingredients blend without overworking the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so once the flour disappears, stop.

Step 3: Shape and sugar the dough balls

It’s a fun part! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then coat each ball evenly in granulated sugar. This sugar coating forms a lovely slight crisp on the outside that'll contrast beautifully with the soft interior. Place the sugar-dusted balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each — they’ll spread a bit, but not too much.

Step 4: Bake and add the chocolate kiss

Bake the cookies at 375°F, ideally one sheet at a time, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just start turning golden. The timing is crucial—baking too long dries them out, so keep a close eye. As soon as they come out of the oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie gently but firmly. This warms the chocolate just enough to soften it but keeps its shape. Let them cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour to let the chocolate set perfectly.

Top Tip

After baking Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms countless times, I've picked up a few tricks to help you get that perfect cookie every single time.

Don't skip room temperature eggs: It helps the dough blend evenly, creating a smoother texture.
Bake one sheet at a time: This makes sure your oven heat is consistent, giving you more evenly baked cookies.
Rolling in sugar twice: If you're extra precise, roll your dough balls in sugar, then chill for 10 minutes before rolling again for the ultimate sugar crust.
Press the chocolate kiss immediately: The heat from fresh-baked cookies softens the chocolate just right without making it melt totally.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the cookie and chocolate kiss shine, but sometimes a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast of flavors. For festive occasions, colorful sugar crystals work beautifully too, adding just a bit of sparkle.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. For holiday parties, I like serving these alongside other classic treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread for a diverse cookie platter everyone can enjoy.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I arrange peanut butter blossoms in pretty tins lined with parchment paper and add a festive ribbon. At parties, try presenting them on a tiered dessert stand—it makes these humble cookies feel extra special and invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I found layering them between sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps the chocolate kiss gorgeous and intact.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I like freezing the dough balls arranged on a baking sheet and then transferring them to a sealed container. That way, I bake fresh cookies whenever I want without compromising on flavor or texture.

Reheating

If you want to refresh frozen or leftover cookies, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and slightly melty kiss without burning the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural peanut butter in the Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture may be slightly different because natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less uniform, which can affect the dough consistency and baking. You might need to chill the dough longer before baking.

How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting too much?

To avoid the chocolate kiss melting too much, add it immediately after taking the cookies out of the oven. The cookie’s residual heat softens the chocolate just enough to stick but won’t fully melt it if you press gently. Also, letting the cookies cool on a rack helps the chocolate set nicely.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum to provide the structure these cookies need. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

What’s the best way to store these cookies so they stay fresh?

Store leftover Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. Layering parchment paper between cookies prevents sticking. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped well, for several months.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe feels like a little piece of warmth and nostalgia folded into every bite. I always come back to it because it’s dependable, delicious, and endlessly comforting. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll find it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a joyful tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen too.