Peanut butter blossoms are a nostalgic holiday treat with a perfect blend of chewy peanut butter cookies and rich chocolate kisses. They are perfect for family gatherings, gift boxes, or just a sweet snack. Follow this easy-to-make recipe for delicious results every time.

What are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut butter blossoms are classic cookies that combine the nutty flavor of peanut butter with the richness of chocolate. A soft, chewy peanut butter cookie is rolled in sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. These cookies are widely popular, especially during the holidays, and bring back childhood memories for many. Whether you’re making these for Christmas or any other celebration, peanut butter blossoms are bound to be a hit.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Blossoms

Before diving into the recipe, gather all your ingredients. These simple items are pantry staples, making this recipe even easier to whip up anytime you're craving cookies.

1 and ¼ cups (156g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): The foundation for your cookies, giving them structure and the perfect balance between soft and chewy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just a bit, ensuring they don’t turn out flat.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies and balances out the sweetness.
½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Provides moisture, richness, and that buttery taste.
½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper flavor and chewiness.
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: For sweetness and slight crunch in the cookie dough.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Acts as a binder and helps give the cookies their soft texture.
¾ cup (about 185g) creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, this adds the nutty, smooth peanut butter flavor.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
24 chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped: The classic chocolate topper that makes these cookies instantly recognizable.

Coating Ingredients

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Used for rolling the dough before baking, adding a slight crunch and sweetness to the exterior.
OR: ¼ cup (50g) green sanding sugar and ¼ cup (50g) red sanding sugar: For a festive twist, roll your cookie dough in colored sanding sugar to give it a holiday look.

Substitutions and Variations

Peanut butter blossoms can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to tweak the classic recipe:

Peanut Butter Substitutes: If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different flavor, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can work well in place of peanut butter. Note that the texture and taste will vary slightly depending on your choice.
Chocolate Kiss Variations: Instead of the standard milk chocolate kisses, try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled kisses for a fun twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the cookies.
Low-Sugar Variation: To cut down on sugar, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol. Be sure to check for a conversion chart as sweetness levels differ.
Festive Sugar Coating: As mentioned earlier, using red and green sanding sugar is a great way to give your peanut butter blossoms a holiday makeover.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make the perfect peanut butter blossoms.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): This will allow the cookies to bake evenly and develop a light golden color.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Creaming these ingredients properly ensures that your cookies will have a tender texture.
Add egg, peanut butter, and vanilla: Beat in the egg until well combined, then mix in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Be sure everything is well incorporated, and the mixture is smooth.
Mix in the dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could result in dense cookies.
Roll the dough into balls: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls.
Coat in sugar: Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar (or colored sanding sugar for a festive look).
Bake the cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.
Press the chocolate kisses: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, which is perfectly normal.
Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking peanut butter blossoms involves a few key techniques to ensure they turn out perfectly. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as this will affect the texture of your cookies. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for a light and fluffy dough. Additionally, make sure you don’t over-bake the cookies. They should be just lightly golden around the edges when you remove them from the oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Melted Butter: Always use softened butter, not melted, to avoid overly flat cookies.
Overbaking the Cookies: Peanut butter blossoms should be soft and chewy. Overbaking will result in hard, crunchy cookies.
Skipping the Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough in sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies a lovely texture. Don’t skip this step!
Not Pressing the Kiss Right Away: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press the chocolate kiss into the center. If you wait too long, the cookie will harden, making it difficult to insert the candy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Peanut butter blossoms are a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll want them to look as good as they taste. Here’s how to serve and present them beautifully:

Arrange on a Holiday Platter: Especially if you’ve used red and green sanding sugar, placing these cookies on a festive holiday platter can make them the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Gift Them: Place cookies in a decorative tin lined with wax paper and tie with a ribbon. These make fantastic homemade holiday gifts.
Pair with Hot Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or even cold milk.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms

Serve peanut butter blossoms warm or at room temperature. If making them in advance, you can store them in an airtight container for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well. Simply place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Blossoms

For special occasions or holiday parties, consider these presentation ideas:

Holiday-Themed Tray: Arrange the cookies on a tray surrounded by mini Christmas ornaments or greenery for a festive touch.
Tiered Cookie Stand: Showcase your peanut butter blossoms on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant presentation at parties or family gatherings.

Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe Tips

Chill the Dough: If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly.
Alternative Toppings: Instead of chocolate kisses, try topping your cookies with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Rolos for a different twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make peanut butter blossoms ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store peanut butter blossoms?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture of the cookies will be different, with bits of peanut throughout. Creamy peanut butter gives the classic smooth texture most people expect in peanut butter blossoms.

Conclusion

Peanut butter blossoms are a timeless classic that are sure to impress whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because. Their chewy peanut butter base and sweet chocolate center make them a perfect dessert for all ages. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can bake a batch of these iconic cookies to share with friends and family. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!