The Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate that never fails to make me smile. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite cookie recipes – Peanut Butter Blossoms. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with a chocolate kiss are pure comfort food perfection.
What makes these cookies so special? They’re incredibly easy to make (no chilling required!), they taste like childhood memories, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these peanut butter blossoms will become your go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Your Workspace – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Check Your Butter Temperature – Make sure your butter is at perfect room temperature. When you press it gently with your finger, it should leave an indent and bend slightly without being melty or too stiff. This is crucial for proper creaming.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the room temperature butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream everything together on medium speed until well combined and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add the Dry Ingredients – Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda to your creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined – don’t overmix! The dough should come together with maybe a few streaks of flour that you can fold in with a spatula.
- Shape the Cookie Dough – Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out heaping tablespoon-sized amounts of dough (about 25g each). Roll each portion into a ball with your hands.
- Roll in Sugar (Optional) – For extra sweetness and a beautiful finish, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar before placing on your prepared baking sheets. This step is optional but adds a lovely sparkle and slight crunch.
- Bake to Perfection – Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffy, slightly cracked, and just beginning to brown on the bottom. Don’t overbake – they’ll continue cooking slightly on the hot pan.
- Add the Chocolate Kisses – This is the crucial step! As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges – this is exactly what you want.
- Cool and Enjoy – Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring. The chocolate will set as they cool, creating that perfect peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Use processed peanut butter for best results. Natural peanut butter can work, but add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon more salt to compensate.
- Keep brown sugar soft by storing it with a few marshmallows in an airtight container.
- Unwrap your chocolate kisses ahead of time – you’ll need to work quickly once the cookies come out of the oven.
- Try colored sanding sugar instead of regular granulated sugar for festive occasions.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 | 8% |
| Total Fat | 8g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 95mg | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugars | 16g | – |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of processed?
Yes! Just make sure to mix it really well first, and add an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar plus an additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
Do these cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Not at all! That’s one of the best things about this recipe – you can go from mixing to baking immediately.
Can I use a different chocolate instead of Hershey’s Kisses?
Absolutely! Any similarly-sized chocolate candy will work. The traditional choice is Kisses, but feel free to get creative.
How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’re best enjoyed within the first few days when they’re at their most tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if your butter was too warm or if you used all brown sugar. Make sure your butter is at proper room temperature and stick to the sugar ratio in the recipe.
The Sweet History Behind This Classic
Here’s a fun fact that might surprise you – these beloved cookies are actually quite young in the world of baking! Peanut butter blossoms were invented in 1957 by Freda Smith, who entered them in a Pillsbury contest.
While she didn’t win the contest, her recipe became an instant classic that’s been gracing cookie jars and holiday platters ever since. Originally called “Black-eyed Susans” after the flower they resemble, these treats have stood the test of time for good reason.
Conclusion
These peanut butter blossoms are everything a great cookie should be – simple to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The combination of tender, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookie with that perfect chocolate kiss on top is pure magic.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself to something special, these cookies never disappoint.
The best part? They taste incredible straight from the oven when the chocolate is still slightly melty and the cookie is at its most tender.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. Trust me – once you make these peanut butter blossoms, they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation. Happy baking!
