I can’t help but smile whenever I think about Peanut Butter Blossoms. These cookies are pure magic—the way the sweet, salty peanut butter base cradles that chocolate kiss on top just hits all the right notes. They’re the cookies that disappear first at potlucks, the ones kids reach for with chocolate-smeared grins. And guess what? They’re ridiculously simple to make. Want to know my little tricks for getting that perfect chewy center and crisp edge that’ll make everyone ask for your secret?
Why You’ll Love these Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
If you’re looking for the perfect cookie that combines sweet and salty in one irresistible bite, these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are about to become your new favorite.
I’m telling you, there’s something magical about that warm, chewy peanut butter cookie base with a chocolate kiss nestled right in the center.
The cookies have crisp, sugary edges that give way to a tender middle—talk about texture heaven.
And can we discuss that moment when the chocolate starts to soften slightly? Pure bliss.
Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re my go-to for last-minute gatherings.
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies?
These classic cookies require simple pantry staples that come together to create pure magic in your mouth. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is truly unbeatable, and the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. The creamy peanut butter provides the perfect backdrop for those iconic chocolate kisses, while the mix of sugars creates that perfect chewy-yet-crisp texture we all crave.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
A quick note about the peanut butter—this is one recipe where natural peanut butter isn’t your friend. Stick with processed creamy varieties like Jif or Skippy for the best texture and consistency. The stabilizers in these commercial brands help the cookies maintain their shape and provide that classic taste we all remember from childhood. And don’t forget to unwrap all those Hershey’s Kisses before you start baking. There’s nothing worse than juggling hot cookies while frantically trying to peel foil wrappers, trust me on this one.
Make Ahead Tips for these Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Let’s be honest—holiday baking can get chaotic, and anything that helps us prep in advance is a total lifesaver, especially when you’ve got a cookie exchange or unexpected guests on the horizon.
* Refrigerate the dough: You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls, as cold dough will be quite firm.
This actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have time to meld together.
* Freeze unbaked cookie balls: Roll the dough into balls and coat with sugar, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on your baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time—no thawing needed!
* Pre-unwrap your Kisses: This might seem obvious, but unwrapping all those Hershey’s Kisses can be time-consuming.
Unwrap them ahead of time and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Trust me, when you’re trying to press chocolates into hot cookies, you’ll thank yourself for this bit of advance prep.
* Freeze baked cookies: The fully baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them.
How to Make these Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Making these classic peanut butter blossoms is surprisingly simple, and the process creates the perfect balance of chewy peanut butter cookie with that iconic chocolate kiss center.
To start, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (stick with processed brands like Jif or Skippy for the best texture), along with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar until everything looks smooth and fluffy. Next, beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture looks glossy and well-combined.
Now for the dry ingredients—whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then gradually mix this into your wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix here, or you might end up with tough cookies, and nobody wants that.
Once your dough comes together, shape it into 1-inch balls (a small cookie scoop works wonders for consistency), and roll each ball in some extra granulated sugar for that signature sparkle and slight crunch. For perfect results every time, invest in premium baking supplies that ensure consistent temperature and even heat distribution. Arrange them about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets—they’ll spread a bit during baking.
Pop these beauties into a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until they’re just set around the edges but still soft in the center. Here’s the essential part that makes or breaks these cookies: the moment they come out of the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat from the cookie will slightly soften the chocolate, allowing it to adhere perfectly without completely melting.
Then, let them cool completely on a wire rack before stacking or storing. The contrast between the slightly crinkled, sugar-coated peanut butter cookie and the smooth chocolate kiss creates that nostalgic treat we all remember from childhood holiday platters.
Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Substitutions and Variations
While traditional peanut butter blossoms have their timeless charm, you can easily customize this recipe to suit dietary needs or simply shake things up a bit.
Need a dairy-free version? Swap in coconut oil for butter. For gluten-free cookies, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Not a fan of Hershey’s Kisses? Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate stars, or even a dollop of jam work beautifully.
I’m particularly fond of adding mini chocolate chips to the dough for double chocolate goodness.
You could also roll the cookies in cinnamon sugar instead of plain—heavenly with a cup of coffee!
What to Serve with Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
These classic peanut butter blossoms deserve proper companions to create the ultimate cookie experience.
I recommend pairing them with a cold glass of milk—the creamy dairy perfectly balances the rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate. For a cozy winter treat, try hot chocolate with a hint of cinnamon.
Want to create a dessert board? Add shortbread cookies and chocolate chip varieties for texture contrast.
Vanilla ice cream makes these cookies into mini sandwiches, or crumble them over coffee ice cream for a decadent sundae.
Need a beverage for grown-ups? A sweet dessert wine or coffee liqueur works wonders.
Leftovers and Storage for these Irresistible Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
After enjoying your cookie feast, proper storage becomes the next consideration for these treats.
I recommend keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The texture stays just right this way—not too hard, not too soft.
Want to freeze them? You absolutely can!
Layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet reminder of holiday baking.
The chocolate kiss might develop a whitish bloom, but don’t worry—they’ll still taste delicious.
Final Thoughts
From the moment you pull these cookies from the oven and press that chocolate kiss into the warm, sugary center, you’re creating a little piece of baking magic that spans generations.
I’m convinced there’s something almost therapeutic about the ritual—the rolling of dough balls between your palms, the gentle press of chocolate, watching that perfect crackle develop around the edges.
What makes these cookies truly special? Perhaps it’s their perfect balance of sweet and salty, or maybe it’s simply how they connect us to holiday memories and family traditions.
Either way, they’re more than just cookies. They’re little edible time machines.
Much like Funfetti Cookies, the crucial chilling step helps these peanut butter blossoms maintain their perfect shape and texture during baking.