Name: Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 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 simply irresistible about that soft peanut butter cookie hugging a melting chocolate kiss right in the center. This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe brings back memories of holiday baking sessions and cozy kitchen chats. Trust me, once you try them, these cookies will have a permanent spot in your recipe box.

A close-up view of several round light brown cookies on a white plate, each with a textured cracked surface and a dark brown smooth chocolate drop placed in the center on top. The cookies have a rough sugar coating that gives a sparkling look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth nearby, and a woman's hand holding one cookie is visible in the background. 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

Making this classic treat is like creating a warm hug in cookie form. I love how easy it comes together, and the taste? Absolutely nostalgic and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.

Perfect texture: The cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with just a hint of crisp around the edges.
Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry—no need for fancy add-ons.
Chocolate kiss center: That melted chocolate surprise makes this cookie stand out from your basic peanut butter batch.
Quick to bake: From bowl to oven to cooling rack, these cookies come together in under 30 minutes.

The image shows seven round cookies on a black wire cooling rack over a wood surface. Each cookie has one layer, with a light golden cracked surface texture, and is covered in sugar crystals. At the center of every cookie is a smooth, shiny dollop of milk chocolate with a small peak. The overall look is rustic and homemade, with the cookies evenly spaced and slightly overlapping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe plays an important role in nailing that perfect cookie flavor and texture. Let’s break down the essentials and what I’ve learned from baking this recipe over the years.

Flat lay of creamy peanut butter in a smooth swirl, soft unsalted butter blocks, packed brown sugar mounds, granulated white sugar crystals sparkling, a fresh brown egg, small heaps of all-purpose flour, golden chocolate candy kisses with shiny wrappers, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Granulated sugar: Helps create the cookie’s slightly crisp edges and a nice base sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the cookies stay chewy.
Creamy peanut butter: I always use a good quality peanut butter—its smooth texture blends perfectly for that classic flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter provides tenderness and flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to softness.
All-purpose flour: The structural backbone of our dough, giving the cookies their shape.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners make sure your cookies puff up just the right amount.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
Chocolate candy kisses: The iconic finishing touch that melts gloriously into the cookie top.

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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

One thing I’ve learned is that this recipe is super flexible. While I stick to the classic every time because it hits the spot, don’t be afraid to mix it up a little and make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap half of the creamy peanut butter for chunky for added texture. It makes each bite more interesting without sacrificing softness.
Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free friendly version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency—it might need a touch more flour or butter.
Seasonal fun: Roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkles instead of plain granulated sugar for festive occasions.

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

Step 1: Let the butter and egg come to room temperature

Starting with softened butter and a room temperature egg helps everything combine smoothly. If your butter is too cold, the dough will be tough to mix; too soft, and things get greasy.

Step 2: Cream sugars, peanut butter, butter, and egg

Using a mixer, blend the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, butter, and egg on medium speed. This step really builds the cookie’s texture and flavor base, so mix until it’s nice and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients on low speed

Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt slowly until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently just until the dough pulls together.

Step 4: Roll dough balls and coat in sugar

I like to scoop about 1-inch-sized balls and roll each one in granulated sugar. This adds a subtle sweet crunch on the outside, plus a pretty sparkle when they bake.

Step 5: Bake and add the chocolate kisses

Bake the cookies one tray at a time at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, until you see the edges just turn golden. Remove from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie—you want it to gently soften but not melt completely.

Step 6: Cool completely

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack for about an hour. This lets the chocolate set perfectly and the cookies firm up without drying out.

Top Tip

From my many batches of peanut butter blossoms, these tips have saved me time and hassle, and I hope they help you get it just right on your first try.

Room temperature ingredients: Always let butter and egg warm up before you start—this makes mixing easier and yields smoother dough.
One tray at a time: Baking one cookie sheet at a time ensures even heat distribution and perfect edges.
Press the kiss immediately: Put the chocolate kiss on right out of the oven so it softens without losing its shape.
Don’t overbake: Cookies look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like keeping these simple since the cookie and chocolate kiss are already stars. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before baking to add an unexpected salty pop that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate snack break. They also work wonderfully alongside simple treats like fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged them on tiered dessert stands or nestled them in mini cupcake liners to keep each one looking perfect. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an extra special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to a week. If you notice them drying out a bit, a slice of bread in the container helps keep moisture in.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing the unbaked dough balls rather than the baked cookies. Just shape and sugar-coat the dough, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you want fresh cookies, pop them straight on the baking sheet and add a couple of minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

If you have leftovers, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave revives their soft warmth effortlessly. Just be careful not to overheat or the peanut butter and chocolate can become oily.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?

Natural peanut butter tends to separate and be oilier, which can affect the dough consistency and texture of the cookies. If you do use it, stir well before measuring and expect a slightly different texture.

Why do I press the chocolate kiss on right after baking?

Pressing the chocolate kiss right out of the oven allows it to soften just enough to stick to the warm cookie without melting completely. This keeps the classic shape and delivers that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead and freeze them?

Absolutely! Freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you get fresh, warm cookies anytime.

How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake the cookies; they’ll look a bit soft when coming out of the oven but will firm up as they cool. Also, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is one I turn to when I want that reliable, deeply comforting cookie with the perfect peanut butter and chocolate combo. It’s a timeless favorite that never fails to bring smiles, and I’m excited for you to make it your own too. Baking these is like sharing a little tradition, fresh from my kitchen to yours.