Peanut Butter Blossoms
There are certain Christmas cookies that instantly bring back childhood memories, and Peanut Butter Blossoms are at the top of that list. Soft peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a warm chocolate kiss have become a holiday tradition in so many homes, including mine.
I love serving these cookies during the holidays because they’re simple to make, beautiful on a dessert tray, and always one of the first cookies to disappear. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, filling holiday tins, or spending an afternoon baking with family, Peanut Butter Blossoms are a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
Sometimes the most memorable holiday recipes aren’t the most complicated — they’re the classics everyone looks forward to.
When I Love Serving Peanut Butter Blossoms
Cookie Exchanges
One of my favorite recipes to bring to holiday cookie exchanges because they’re easy to make, travel well, and always stand out on the table. The classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate makes them a crowd favorite every year.
Christmas Dessert Trays
I always include Peanut Butter Blossoms on our Christmas dessert trays because they add a festive, homemade touch alongside other holiday treats. Their signature chocolate kiss makes every platter look a little more special.
Holiday Gift Boxes
This is perfect for filling holiday tins or gift boxes for neighbors, teachers, and friends. They’re sturdy enough to package beautifully while still tasting soft and fresh after a few days.
Family Baking Days
One of my favorite holiday traditions is spending an afternoon baking these cookies with family. Rolling the dough in sugar and pressing the chocolate kiss into each cookie is a simple step that everyone can help with.
Christmas Parties
Peanut Butter Blossoms are always a reliable dessert to bring to Christmas parties or holiday potlucks because they’re easy to serve and don’t require utensils. I love knowing they’ll disappear quickly as guests grab seconds.
Cozy Winter Movie Nights
When we’re staying in for a cozy winter evening, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate or coffee. Fresh from the oven, they’re soft, comforting, and make any night feel a little more festive.
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
Gives these cookies their rich, nutty flavor and signature soft texture. It creates the classic taste that makes Peanut Butter Blossoms so irresistible.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. It also contributes to the cookies’ delicious homemade flavor.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like sweetness. It helps keep the cookies soft even after they’ve cooled.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and creates a lightly crisp exterior. Rolling the dough in sugar also gives the cookies their sparkling finish.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances the peanut butter flavor with warm, sweet notes. It rounds out the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides the foundation of the cookie dough and gives the cookies their shape. It creates the perfect balance between soft and sturdy.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder
These leavening agents help the cookies rise and bake evenly. Together, they create a light texture with the perfect amount of spread.
Chocolate Candy Kisses
The chocolate kiss is the iconic finishing touch that makes these cookies instantly recognizable. Its creamy chocolate center pairs perfectly with the rich peanut butter cookie.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
Stand mixer
The real investment on this list, and the one that pays out every December. Peanut butter dough is stiff, and this handles it without complaint.
Half sheet pan set
Two pans means one bakes while one cools. All things considered, it’s the cheapest way to double your output.
Nesting mixing bowl set
Dough in one, sugar for rolling in another, chocolates unwrapped in a third. Given that this recipe is an assembly line, you want the bowls.
Cookie scoop set
Uniform cookies bake evenly and photograph beautifully. What’s more, it takes the guesswork out entirely.
Footed cake stand
Where the finished cookies go. In the final analysis, presentation is half of why anyone reaches for a second one.
How To Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
Use regular creamy peanut butter
Do not use natural peanut butter. The oil separation in natural peanut butter affects the texture of the dough.
Unwrap all the chocolate kisses
Before the cookies go into the oven so you’re ready to press them in immediately when the cookies come out.
Don’t overbake
The cookies continue to bake on the hot sheet after they come out of the oven. Pull them when they’re just beginning to turn golden at the edges.
Let butter soften naturally
At room temperature — don’t microwave it. Microwaved butter melts unevenly and affects how the dough comes together.
Bake one tray at a time
For more even heat distribution and consistent results.
Chill the dough
If it becomes too soft to roll — 30 minutes in the refrigerator is usually enough.
Step 1.
Cream the Wet Ingredients. Beat the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2.
Mix the Dough. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.
Step 3.
Shape and Coat. Scoop the dough into even balls and roll each one in granulated or colored sparkling sugar until fully coated.
Step 4.
Bake the Cookies. rrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are puffed and the edges are lightly golden.
Step 5.
Press in the Chocolate Kiss. Immediately press a chocolate candy kiss into the center of each warm cookie. Small cracks around the edges are perfectly normal.
Step 6.
Cool and Enjoy. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
Dark chocolate
Swap the classic milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate kisses for a richer, less sweet finish. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a deeper chocolate flavor with creamy peanut butter.
White chocolate
Use white chocolate kisses to create a sweeter, buttery twist on the original recipe. They also make the cookies look extra festive for holiday dessert trays.
With Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Replace the chocolate kisses with mini peanut butter cups for even more peanut butter flavor in every bite. This variation is rich, decadent, and perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Holiday Sprinkle
Roll the cookie dough in red, green, or colorful sparkling sugar before baking for a festive touch. The sparkling coating makes these cookies stand out at holiday parties and cookie exchanges.
What to Serve With Peanut Butter Blossoms
Each pairing also mirrors the board’s light, refreshing character while adding enough substance and variety to turn a simple grazing board into a complete and satisfying summer meal.
Cold Glass of Milk
Milk is the classic companion to Peanut Butter Blossoms because its creamy, mild flavor perfectly balances the rich peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a timeless pairing that appeals to both kids and adults.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm peanut butter and chocolate flavors. Together, they create a simple but satisfying dessert.
Fresh Fruit Platter
A platter of grapes, apple slices, strawberries, and orange segments provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies. It’s a great way to round out a dessert table
Holiday Cookie Assortment
Arrange Peanut Butter Blossoms with sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate crinkle cookies on a festive platter. Offering a variety of flavors and textures makes any holiday dessert spread more inviting.
Peanut Butter Blossoms Storage
Separate
Separate layers with parchment paper to protect the chocolate kisses from being damaged.
Freeze
Freeze baked cookies for up to three months in a freezer-safe container.
Airtight
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Peanut Butter Blossoms FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months — just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Why did my Peanut Butter Blossoms crack?
Cracking is completely normal and expected — it’s actually a sign that the cookies are done correctly. When you press the chocolate kiss into the warm cookie, the dough naturally cracks around the edges. This is the classic look of a properly baked Peanut Butter Blossom.
Can I freeze Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Yes. Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. Separate layers with parchment paper before freezing, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use dark chocolate kisses?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate kisses work beautifully and add a slightly more intense chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet peanut butter cookie base.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup reamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Additional granulated sugar or colored sparkling sugar green or red
- 30 to 40 milk or dark chocolate candy kisses about one 9-ounce bag
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- In a large bowl (or a bowl of a stand mixer), add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, and butter.
- Beat with mixer until combined and pale, about2 to 3 minutes.
- Add egg, milk, and vanilla.* Mix on medium speed until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder. * Add the butter and mix and mix until cookie dough forms.
- With a small cookie scoop, shape tablespoons of dough into balls, then roll in granulated or sparkling sugar.
- Place balls on cookie sheets covered with parchment, and place balls about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges start to brown
- Immediately press (1) chocolate Hershey’s Kiss candy piece in center of each cookie.
- Remove cookies from cookie sheet and place on a cooling rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
KEEP HOSTING
More festive favorites to keep the celebration going — three holiday-worthy ideas.
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Festive Sweet Treat: Strawberry Banana Santa Hats
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Get the Recipe →Final Thoughts
Some recipes never go out of style, and Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of them. Their soft peanut butter center, signature chocolate kiss, and nostalgic holiday charm make them a favorite year after year. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a holiday cookie exchange, these classic cookies are sure to become part of your own holiday traditions.
If you try these, I’d love to know—would you keep them classic, or experiment with your own variations?
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
