Name: Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 24 chocolate candy kisses, such as Hershey's

There’s something about biting into a perfectly soft, peanut buttery cookie crowned with a melty chocolate kiss that just feels like a warm hug. This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe has been a holiday staple in my kitchen for years, and honestly, it’s a treat worth making anytime you want to impress — or simply indulge.

The image shows a close-up of round cookies with a light brown, slightly cracked texture, each topped in the center with a dark chocolate kiss that is smooth and shiny, forming a pointed peak. The cookies are arranged densely in a shallow white bowl placed on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white checkered cloth. The focus is on the front cookies, highlighting the sugar crystals on the edges that add a slight sparkle. 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

I've made countless cookie recipes over the years, but this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe always stands out. It’s quick to whip up, yields ridiculously tender cookies with just the right chew, and that chocolate candy on top? Pure magic.

Perfect Texture Balance: Soft peanut butter centers with just a lightly crisp edge, so every bite is satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already, making this recipe easy and fuss-free.
Chocolate and Peanut Butter Combo: Classic, iconic, and loved by practically everyone — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Fun to Make: Rolling dough in sugar and pressing kisses on top is oddly satisfying; it's a great project for baking with kids or friends.

The image shows several round cookies placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough, cracked texture with a sugar-coated light brown top layer. In the center of every cookie, there is a smooth, milk chocolate dollop that stands out with its glossy, rounded shape. The cookies are evenly spaced, with noticeable cracks radiating from the chocolate center, giving them a rustic and homemade appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe plays its part in creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Using classic pantry staples means you won’t need any specialty shopping trips, and the pairing of creamy peanut butter with brown and white sugar creates a rich, balanced sweetness.

Flat lay of creamy peanut butter in a smooth dollop, packed brown sugar crystals, soft unsalted butter chunk, shiny chocolate candy kisses in iconic foil wrappers, whole granulated sugar sparkling under light, a fresh large egg with a clean shell, and a heap of pale all-purpose flour finely sifted, all beautifully arranged and contrasting on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Granulated Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar creates a beautiful sparkly crust that adds a subtle crunch and contrast.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone, making these cookies irresistibly rich.
Creamy Peanut Butter: I always recommend sticking with creamy for that ultra-smooth texture inside each cookie.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps ensure the dough is easy to mix and yields tender cookies; room temp is key for smooth creaming.
Egg: Acts as the binding agent to keep everything perfectly together; I always let it come to room temp for best mixing.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of structure without making the cookies tough or dense.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These two help the cookies rise just right – soft yet fluffy rather than flat.
Salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Candy Kisses: The signature bit that melts slightly when pushed into the warm cookie, sealing the deal.

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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

While I adore this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe just as it is, experimenting with it is part of the fun. Don't hesitate to swap out certain ingredients or tweak flavors to suit your taste buds.

Variation: I once swapped the creamy peanut butter for crunchy, which added a delightful bit of texture inside—definitely a keeper for peanut butter lovers who want an extra crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut oil instead of butter works well, although the flavor will shift slightly, but it's great for those with dietary restrictions.
Chocolate Swap: Try mini peanut butter cups instead of kisses for a gooey surprise in the center.
Flavored Sugars: Rolling dough balls in cinnamon sugar instead of plain granulated sugar adds a warm spice twist that I find perfect for the holidays.

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

Step 1: Cream the Sugars, Peanut Butter, and Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, in a large bowl, I blend the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and egg with an electric mixer on medium speed. This step is key — you want the mixture smooth and creamy without lumps, which helps the cookies bake up perfectly tender.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, turn your mixer to low and gradually add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing on low keeps the dough tender by preventing overworking the gluten. The dough should come together easily but still be soft, not sticky.

Step 3: Shape and Sugar-Coat the Dough Balls

I roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then toss each one in extra granulated sugar. Rolling in sugar adds that classic sparkle and a little extra crunch. Make sure to space them at least 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet—cookies expand slightly as they bake.

Step 4: Bake and Press the Kisses

Bake a single sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just turn a golden hue. Right after they come out of the oven, press a chocolate candy kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth softens the candy slightly without melting it completely, creating that signature blossom look.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool for about an hour. This rest time lets the chocolate set and ensures your cookies aren’t too warm when you dig in. My family loves these fresh, but they’re pretty irresistible anytime.

Top Tip

After baking these cookies a bunch, I’ve learned a few tricks that consistently boost the results. Whether you’re making just a few or a big batch, these tips help keep your Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms perfect every time.

Room Temperature Everything: Butter and eggs at room temp blend more smoothly, giving you a silky dough that bakes evenly.
One Sheet at a Time: Baking one pan at a time ensures the oven heats fairly and cookies bake uniformly—no half-burned or underdone batches!
Immediate Pressing: Always press the chocolate kiss into the cookie right after it comes out of the oven while it’s hot; waiting too long means the chocolate won’t stick right.
Sugar Rolling Helps Shape: Don’t skip rolling dough balls in sugar; it helps give the cookie a classic shimmery finish and prevents sticking during baking.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with the chocolate kiss as the star garnish. Occasionally, I'll sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before serving—it heightens that peanut butter and chocolate combo in the most delicious way.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk—classic, right? If you want something different, coffee or a creamy vanilla chai latte is a cozy match that elevates snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

A few times, I’ve arranged these cookies in a festive flower pattern on a large platter for holiday parties—it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying with twine makes for charming favors or gift basket treats too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I find that layering them between parchment paper helps them stay fresh and prevents the kisses from sticking together.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. For dough, freeze wrapped tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh cookies. Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months; just thaw overnight at room temp.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked warmth, pop frozen or stored cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as chocolate can seize or the cookie texture becomes tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less stable than creamy commercial brands, which can affect dough consistency and cookie texture. If you use natural, chill the dough longer before baking to help it firm up.

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

To keep the chocolate kiss from melting excessively, press it onto the cookie immediately after removing from the oven while the cookie is warm but not hot enough to liquify the candy. Also, bake only one sheet at a time for even heat distribution.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the cookie’s structure and softness.

What’s the best way to store leftover Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, placing parchment paper between layers. They stay fresh for about one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe feels like an old friend—comforting, reliable, and always loved. I genuinely think you’ll enjoy not only how delicious these cookies are but how easy and fun they are to make. Whether it’s a holiday tradition or a last-minute treat, these little peanut butter and chocolate gems never disappoint. Now, grab your mixing bowl and get baking — your new favorite cookie moment awaits!