Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with melty chocolate kisses — Peanut Butter Blossoms are a holiday baking classic I never skip. These cookies strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet, with a soft texture and a rich peanut butter base that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate on top. Whether it’s for a cookie exchange, a festive dessert table, or just a cozy baking session at home, these are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
24-30 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
I beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
I scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and roll each one in granulated sugar.
Then I place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
I bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
Once out of the oven, I immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.
I let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24–30 cookies
Calories: Approximately 130 kcal per cookie
Variations
I like to mix things up with different types of chocolate kisses — dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even mint! For a nut-free version, I’ve substituted sunflower seed butter with good results. Sometimes I also roll the dough in colored sugar for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days — they stay soft and delicious. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, I just leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes. I don’t usually reheat them, but if I want that fresh-baked feel, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave softens the chocolate just right.
FAQs
How do I keep the cookies from cracking too much?
I make sure not to overbake them and press the chocolate kiss in right after baking to minimize cracking. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, I often freeze the dough balls (without the sugar coating) and bake them straight from the freezer — just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Do I have to use Hershey’s Kisses?
Not at all! I’ve used mini peanut butter cups and even chocolate chunks — anything that can be pressed into the center works well.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
I check the butter — if it’s too soft or melted, the cookies can spread. Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes helps keep the shape.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I’ve made them using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they turned out great. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for best results.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Blossoms are that nostalgic, crowd-pleasing cookie I keep coming back to year after year. With their soft texture, rich peanut butter flavor, and iconic chocolate center, they’re a must for any holiday cookie tray — or really, any time I’m craving something sweet and comforting. Give them a try, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation too.
📖 Recipe:
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Peanut Butter Blossoms
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- Author: Sophia
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with melty chocolate kisses. These classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a perfect balance of salty and sweet with a rich peanut butter base and a smooth chocolate center.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
24–30 chocolate kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
- Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use different types of chocolate kisses (dark chocolate, caramel-filled, mint) for variety.
For a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seed butter.
Roll dough in colored sugar for a festive touch.
Chilling the dough for 15–30 minutes can help prevent cookies from spreading too much.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg

