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 so comforting about the sweet, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen with this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe. These cookies bring together soft peanut butter dough and a gooey chocolate kiss that makes every bite pure magic—plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser.

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

I’ve made peanut butter cookies countless times, but this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is different—it hits the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and chewy, with that iconic chocolate kiss that melts just right every time.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making this a great last-minute treat.
Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy with a crisp sugar-dusted exterior.
Iconic Chocolate Center: The classic Hershey's Kiss melts into the cookie for a luscious finish.
Easy to Make: No fancy techniques—just straightforward mixing and baking that anyone can do.

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 this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe plays a specific role, giving the cookies their characteristic flavor and texture. Here’s a quick peek at why they work so well together and a few tips for shopping smart.

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 that slightly crisp coating around the cookie that contrasts nicely with the soft center.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, boosting the cookie’s chewiness.
Creamy peanut butter: Choose a good-quality, smooth variety for the best texture and deep peanut flavor.
Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and rich buttery taste without extra salt.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds tenderness.
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, giving structure to the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough while keeping them tender.
Baking powder: Assists in lightening the texture for perfect softness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Chocolate candy kisses: The cherry on top! I always use Hershey’s Kisses because they melt perfectly into the cookie center.

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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 of my favorite things about this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is how versatile it is. I often tweak the recipe slightly based on the occasion or what I have on hand—feel free to make it yours!

Crunchy Peanut Butter Variation: I tried swapping in crunchy peanut butter once—it gave a lovely texture surprise inside the soft cookie.
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Occasionally, I press a mini chocolate chip or two around the base of the kiss for extra chocolate goodness.
Nut-Free Adaptation: If you need a nut-free version, sunbutter works surprisingly well here as a peanut butter substitute.
Spiced Up: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder gives the cookies a fun, unexpected kick.

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

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

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and egg together on medium speed. It should come together into a smooth, creamy dough. This step is key because combining everything thoroughly creates those soft, buttery cookies we all love.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients on Low

Switch your mixer to low and slowly add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing slowly prevents the dough from becoming tough. Stop once everything is just combined—overmixing can make the cookies dense, and that’s not what we want here.

Step 3: Shape, Sugar, and Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in extra granulated sugar before placing them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. This sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sparkle on the outside. Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes until the edges just turn golden—warning: they bake fast, so watch closely.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kiss Right Away

As soon as your cookies come out of the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into the center of each one. The warmth of the cookie will soften the chocolate just enough to melt slightly without losing shape. Let them cool on a wire rack for about an hour so the chocolate sets perfectly. Patience here really pays off.

Top Tip

After making these cookies a dozen times, I learned a few tricks that make the process smoother and the result even better.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and egg sit out so the mixing is easier, resulting in a smoother dough and better texture.
Don’t Skip the Sugar Roll: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a lovely crisp outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
One Sheet at a Time: Baking one sheet at a time ensures the oven temperature stays consistent and your cookies bake evenly.
Press the Kiss Gently: Don’t push too hard on the chocolate kiss—you want to soften it, not flatten it!

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these cookies because the combination is already so classic. However, for special occasions, I sometimes sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top right after pressing the chocolate. The salty hit balances the sweetness perfectly and adds a grown-up twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your peanut butter blossoms with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat. They also make a fun addition to holiday cookie platters alongside other favorites like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree on a wooden board and used colorful mini candies and edible glitter to decorate. It turned out adorable and made for a fun centerpiece at the holiday party. Trust me, presentation can elevate these humble cookies into a festive star!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover peanut butter blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay soft and delicious for about 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture—works like a charm!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want fresh cookies, just bake the frozen dough balls a couple of minutes longer than usual. This has saved me many times when holiday cookie cravings hit unexpectedly.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, I find 10-15 seconds in the microwave brings back that freshly-baked softness and melts the kiss lightly—just don’t overdo it or the chocolate will lose its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Using natural peanut butter is possible, but because it contains more oil and is less stable, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different and dough harder to handle. I recommend using creamy peanut butter for best results.

Why do I roll the dough balls in sugar before baking?

Rolling the dough in granulated sugar adds a lovely crunchy exterior to the cookie, which contrasts delightfully with the soft interior. It also gives the cookies a subtle sparkle, making them look extra special.

Can I make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to mimic the texture of wheat flour.

How do I prevent the chocolate kisses from melting completely?

Press the chocolate kisses gently into the warm cookies right after baking. The residual heat softens the chocolate enough for it to stick without melting it entirely. Cooling the cookies on a wire rack will help them set with the kiss intact.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe holds a special place in my heart for both the nostalgia it brings and the smiles it creates. It’s simple, reliable, and so delicious—exactly the kind of cookie you want to bake when you want to share a little joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too.