Peanut Butter Blossoms: Soft Classic Christmas Cookies

Peanut butter blossoms are one of the most loved Christmas cookies in America. They are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar, baked until just set, and pressed with a chocolate kiss right out of the oven. The chocolate softens into the warm cookie, and the sugary, crackled edges add a little crunch.

This recipe keeps them thick and soft in the middle. A mix of butter and creamy peanut butter gives rich flavor, and a quick chill keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

Love peanut butter and chocolate? Try my chocolate peanut butter Ritz cookies, these no-bake peanut butter balls, and festive chocolate peanut butter Christmas trees.

JUMP TO

• Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Blossoms
• What Is Peanut Butter Blossoms?
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Equipment
• Ingredient Tips
• How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Delicious Variations
• What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Storage Instructions
• Can You Make It Ahead?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Estimated Nutrition
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Blossoms

These cookies are classic for a reason.

Soft and Chewy

Thick centers that stay tender.

Peanut Butter and Chocolate

A perfect combo.

Easy Dough

No mixer needed if your butter is soft.

Festive Look

Sparkly sugar and a chocolate kiss.

Great for Cookie Swaps

They are easy to make in big batches.

What Is Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut butter blossoms are peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a chocolate candy kiss. They were created in the 1950s and became a holiday tradition across the US.

The kiss is pressed in right after baking, so the cookie cracks a little around it.

Ingredients

this Idea!

Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup	Richness
Creamy peanut butter	¾ cup	Peanut flavor
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Sweetness
Light brown sugar, packed	½ cup	Chewy texture
Egg	1 large	Binds the dough
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Flavor
All-purpose flour	1¾ cups	Structure
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Rise
Baking powder	½ teaspoon	Puff
Salt	¼ teaspoon	Balance

Topping

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Granulated sugar	⅓ cup	For rolling
Milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped	36	Chocolate center

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Ingredient Tips

Use Regular Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter makes the cookies oily and crumbly.

Unwrap Kisses First

You need to press them in quickly.

Freeze the Kisses

Chilled kisses hold their shape better.

Soft Butter

It mixes evenly with the peanut butter.

Brown Sugar

It keeps the cookies chewy.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms

Step 1: Prep

Heat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment. Unwrap the kisses and chill them.

Step 2: Cream

Beat the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars until fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg

Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Mix in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Shape

Roll into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in sugar. Place 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies look puffed and lightly cracked.

Step 8: Add the Kisses

Immediately press a kiss into the center of each cookie. Cool on the pan 5 minutes, then move to a rack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms

Do Not Overbake

They firm up as they cool.

Press Right Away

The cookie needs to be hot.

Cool the Chocolate

Put the tray in the fridge 10 minutes so the kisses set.

Roll Twice in Sugar

For extra sparkle.

Same Size Balls

They bake evenly.

Delicious Variations

Dark Chocolate Kisses

For a less sweet cookie.

Candy Cane Kisses

Use peppermint kisses.

Peanut Butter Cups

Press in mini peanut butter cups.

Holiday Sprinkles

Roll in red and green sugar.

Caramel Kisses

Use caramel-filled kisses.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Blossoms

Serve on a Christmas cookie platter with a glass of cold milk.

They are great for cookie exchanges, school parties, and gift boxes.

Storage Instructions

Storage Method	How Long	Best Practice
Room Temperature	5 days	Airtight container
Refrigerator	1 week	Airtight container
Freezer	3 months	Baked or as dough balls

Let the kisses set completely before stacking the cookies.

Place parchment between layers.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Freeze the dough balls (without sugar) for up to 3 months.

Thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and bake, adding 1 to 2 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Natural Peanut Butter

The cookies spread and crumble.

Overbaking

They become dry and hard.

Waiting to Add Kisses

Cool cookies crack instead of hugging the kiss.

Stacking Too Soon

The chocolate smears.

Skipping the Chill

Cookies spread too thin.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	125
Carbohydrates	14g
Protein	3g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	85mg
Cholesterol	12mg

Estimate per cookie, based on 36 cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Peanut butter blossoms are soft, chewy, and topped with chocolate. They are a classic Christmas cookie everyone loves.

Bake a batch for your holiday cookie tin.

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