Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms: The Sweet, Soft Christmas Cookie Everyone Loves

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s something magical about pulling a warm tray of Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms from the oven during the holidays. The kitchen fills with the scent of buttery peanut butter dough, still soft and tender, as each cookie melts slightly under the warmth of a glossy chocolate kiss. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and always the first cookies to disappear from the Christmas cookie tray.

I first started making these cookies with my grandmother, who considered them a non-negotiable part of holiday baking. Every December, she’d set out bowls of sugar, peanut butter, and unwrapped chocolate kisses while telling stories about the first time she discovered these treats at a church bake sale. Baking them feels like a yearly tradition that connects generations, and now I hope this recipe becomes part of your holiday celebrations too.

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Why You’ll Love These Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Soft, buttery centers with the perfect chocolate kiss in every bite
• Ideal for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or Christmas dessert tables
• Kid-friendly and simple enough for beginner bakers
• Easy to customize for gluten-free or dairy-free needs
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
• Great make-ahead dough for busy holiday weeks
• A timeless treat that makes you feel like a child again

Ingredients for Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

Peanut Butter: The heart of this recipe, use creamy peanut butter for that classic texture. Natural varieties may alter the structure, so stick to traditional brands for best results.

Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a tender crumb and rich flavor. Salted butter works too—just reduce added salt.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The duo provides balanced sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.

Egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.

All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential for proper lift and soft texture.

Salt: Enhances the peanut butter flavor.

Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses: The classic topper. Dark chocolate, almond, or caramel-filled kisses also work for fun variations.

Optional Coating Sugar: Rolling dough balls in sugar creates a crackly, sparkling exterior that’s iconic for Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies.

How to Make Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Cream the Base

In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Proper creaming ensures soft cookies with a light texture.

2. Add Egg and Dry Ingredients

Beat in the egg. Separately, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—then gradually mix into the peanut butter mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Chill the Dough

Refrigerate 30 minutes. Chilling prevents overspreading and creates thicker cookies perfect for holding a chocolate kiss.

4. Shape the Cookies

Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat in granulated sugar for extra sparkle.

5. Bake

Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and puffed.

6. Add the Chocolate Kiss

Press a chocolate kiss into each warm cookie immediately after baking. The heat melts the base slightly, bonding it perfectly.

7. Cool and Set

Allow cookies to cool completely so the chocolate can firm up again.

Notes & Top Tips

• Chill the dough for thicker cookies that hold their shape.
• Want No-Bake Peanut Butter Blossoms? Use a stovetop peanut-butter-oat base shaped into balls, then press in the chocolate kiss.
• For deeper peanut flavor, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• To prevent cracks from spreading too wide, avoid over-creaming the butter.
• To make the cookies extra soft, remove them from the oven when edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Variations

• Serve on a festive platter with hot cocoa, peppermint bark, or classic sugar cookies.
• Swap chocolate kisses for peanut butter cups or chocolate squares.
• Roll dough in colored sanding sugar for Christmas Sweets flair.
• Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm holiday twist.
• For dairy-free baking, use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate kisses.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Roll dough balls (without sugar) and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw slightly, then roll in sugar and bake.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies with kisses in a single layer. Thaw at room temperature, no reheating needed.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are a timeless holiday staple; soft, nostalgic, and unbelievably easy. Perfect for your Christmas cookie tray, classroom party, or cozy night of holiday baking. If you try this recipe, leave a comment, share your experience, and rate it. Don’t forget to check out my other easy Christmas treats and holiday cookie favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but results vary. Traditional peanut butter provides the best structure and consistency.

2. Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough likely wasn’t chilled. Warm dough spreads quickly during baking.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a certified 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for excellent results.

4. How do I prevent the chocolate kiss from melting too much?
Place cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes right after adding the kisses to help them set faster.

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