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 incredibly nostalgic and satisfying about biting into a soft, chewy cookie topped with a melty chocolate kiss. This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe has that perfect blend of peanut butter goodness and chocolate sweetness that just hits the spot every time.

The image shows a close-up of round cookies with a light brown, slightly cracked texture, each topped in the center with a dark chocolate kiss that is smooth and shiny, forming a pointed peak. The cookies are arranged densely in a shallow white bowl placed on a white marbled surface next to a blue and white checkered cloth. The focus is on the front cookies, highlighting the sugar crystals on the edges that add a slight sparkle. 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 blossoms at holidays, casual get-togethers, and even just on a random Tuesday when I felt like a cozy treat. What I love most is how effortless it is to whip up a batch, yet the result feels special and nostalgic – like a warm hug from your childhood.

Simple Ingredients: You'll find almost everything in your pantry, making this recipe easy and convenient.
Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges – the ideal peanut butter cookie balance.
Iconic Presentation: The chocolate kiss on top seals the deal, adding a burst of rich chocolate flavor and making these cookies instantly recognizable.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a school bake sale or a holiday platter, everyone will be asking for seconds.

The image shows several round cookies placed on a metal cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a rough, cracked texture with a sugar-coated light brown top layer. In the center of every cookie, there is a smooth, milk chocolate dollop that stands out with its glossy, rounded shape. The cookies are evenly spaced, with noticeable cracks radiating from the chocolate center, giving them a rustic and homemade appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The harmony of these ingredients is why the Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe never disappoints. The sugars add sweetness and moisture, while the peanut butter and butter create that soft texture. The chocolate kiss on top brings a perfect chocolate complement without overpowering the cookie.

Flat lay of creamy peanut butter in a smooth dollop, packed brown sugar crystals, soft unsalted butter chunk, shiny chocolate candy kisses in iconic foil wrappers, whole granulated sugar sparkling under light, a fresh large egg with a clean shell, and a heap of pale all-purpose flour finely sifted, all beautifully arranged and contrasting on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Granulated Sugar: Used both inside the dough and for rolling, it adds a subtle crunchy texture on the outside.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient, providing rich, nutty flavor and good chewiness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds to the tenderness and richness of the cookies.
Egg: Helps bind the cookies and adds a little lift.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookies depends on this — use fresh for best results.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These create the gentle rise and light texture without making the cookies cakey.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Chocolate Candy Kisses: The signature finishing touch that melts slightly atop each cookie, giving that classic look and taste.

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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

This cookie is so versatile! I love mixing it up by trying a few twists here and there. Don’t be afraid to make the recipe your own – that's part of the fun in baking.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping regular peanut butter for natural peanut butter for a more intense flavor. Just be sure to mix that natural stuff really well beforehand.
Dietary Modification: You can make these gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just watch for a slightly different texture.
Seasonal Touch: Around the holidays, sprinkle a little sea salt or crushed peppermint on the chocolate kiss to surprise your taste buds.

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

Step 1: Mix the Sugars and Fats Until Creamy

Start by combining the brown sugar, granulated sugar, peanut butter, softened butter, and egg in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to get everything fluffy and well blended. This part is key to the perfect texture—don’t rush it! The sugar crystals start breaking down and blend with the fats, creating that wonderful cookie base.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients Gently

With the mixer on low, gradually add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until combined. Over-mixing here can make the cookies tough, so keep it light and slow. You want a soft dough that holds shape but is still easy to roll into balls.

Step 3: Shape, Roll, and Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then toss them in a little granulated sugar. This extra sugar helps form a slightly crisp exterior. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for edges turning just golden—don't over-bake or they'll dry out!

Step 4: Press the Chocolate Kiss on While Hot

Right after you pull the cookies from the oven, gently press a chocolate candy kiss into the center of each cookie. The warm cookie softens the chocolate slightly, melding the two flavors together in a perfect bite. Let them cool completely on a wire rack for about an hour so the chocolate sets.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that make this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe shine every time. Following these will save you from common pitfalls and elevate your cookie game.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. It creates a smoother dough and better texture.
Don’t Skip the Sugar Coating: Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar isn’t just tradition—it adds a delightful subtle crunch that contrasts the soft center.
One Sheet at a Time: Baking one cookie sheet at a time ensures even heat distribution, so your cookies all bake perfectly without burning or undercooking.
Press Gently: When adding the kiss, press just enough to attach it without squashing the cookie, keeping that airy texture intact.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—those chocolate kisses are the perfect “garnish.” But when I want to get fancy, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking really makes that chocolate-peanut butter combo pop.

Side Dishes

These cookies are great alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For parties, I’ll set out some fresh fruit or cheese platters to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like arranging the cookies on pretty platters lined with festive napkins. Another fun idea is packaging them in clear cello bags tied with ribbon—makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that everyone appreciates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. I find placing a slice of bread inside keeps them soft longer—magic trick from my grandma!

Freezing

I usually freeze unbaked dough balls rather than baked cookies. Just roll and sugar coat them, place on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This melts the chocolate slightly and makes the cookie soft again—just like freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this recipe?

You can definitely swap with crunchy peanut butter for added texture, though it changes the cookie's smoothness a bit. Just expect a slightly chunkier bite!

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too sticky. Also, don’t flatten the dough balls before baking—they spread properly on their own.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap regular butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate kisses to keep it friendly for those with dairy sensitivities.

Why do I have to add the chocolate kiss immediately after baking?

Pressing the chocolate kiss onto the hot cookie ensures it slightly melts and adheres well without cracking as the cookie cools. If you wait too long, the chocolate may not stick properly.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of cookie that brings back warm memories and creates new ones when shared with friends and family. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do—once you try them, they’ll probably become your go-to peanut butter cookie, too!