For me, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without an annual cookie exchange hosted by a dear friend. It’s a tradition I look forward to every year, a chance to share homemade treats and catch up with loved ones. This past year, I proudly contributed a fresh batch of these beloved Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, and as expected, they were an instant hit. Their familiar taste and charming appearance always make them a crowd-pleaser.

While I’ve enjoyed these delectable cookies countless times throughout my life, this was one of the first times I ventured to make them myself. To my delight, the process was straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Paired with other favorites like my Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies and festive Oatmeal White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, they rounded out a truly spectacular dessert spread. There’s just something about cookies with peanut butter that I absolutely adore!

What makes Peanut Butter Blossoms so special is their perfect blend of textures and flavors. The cookie itself is delightfully soft and chewy, bursting with rich peanut butter goodness, while the melty chocolate kiss adds a creamy, sweet contrast. They’re surprisingly simple to bake, making them an ideal project for a fun family baking session. Children (and adults!) love pressing the chocolate kisses into the warm cookies fresh out of the oven. It’s a joyful, hands-on experience that creates lasting memories.

One of the joys of making Peanut Butter Blossoms is the opportunity for customization. While the classic milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss is always a winner, I often enjoy experimenting with different flavors. Last year, I discovered s’mores-flavored Hershey’s Kisses, complete with a marshmallowy center, and used them for half the batch – a delightful twist that added an extra layer of fun and flavor!

Crafting Your Own Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these classic cookies is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps closely for a batch of perfect Peanut Butter Blossoms every time. Remember, the key to great baking is often in the details and fresh, quality ingredients.

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen & Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your dough is ready, promoting even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Having all your ingredients at room temperature, especially the butter and egg, is crucial for a smooth, well-emulsified dough. Unwrap your Hershey’s Kisses ahead of time; you’ll want them ready to press into the hot cookies without delay.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients for Fluffy Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of white sugar. Beat these ingredients at medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.

Step 3: Introduce Egg & Flavor Enhancers

Add the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and salt to your creamed mixture. Continue to beat at medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The egg provides structure, while vanilla and salt enhance the overall flavor profile of the peanut butter.

Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Roll and Chill for Perfect Shape

Scoop the dough using a tablespoon or a 1-inch cookie scoop. Roll each portion into a smooth, uniform ball. Then, roll each dough ball generously in the reserved 1/4 cup of white sugar. This sugar coating creates a delightful sparkle and a slightly crisp exterior. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. For best results and to prevent spreading, refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking. This chilling step helps the butter solidify, ensuring the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still appear soft. Remember that ovens can vary, so keep an eye on them. Overbaking can result in a dry cookie, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for a chewier texture.

Step 7: The Signature Kiss & Cooling Process

Immediately upon removing the hot cookies from the oven, gently press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate, allowing it to adhere beautifully. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before transferring. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack promotes air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and ensuring even cooling.

Step 8: Store for Lasting Freshness

Once completely cooled, store your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’re looking for longer storage, see our freezing tips below!

While creamy peanut butter is traditionally used for its smooth texture, you can certainly experiment with crunchy peanut butter for an added textural element. Be aware that the cookies might be slightly more crumbly, but they will still be delicious. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it very well before measuring.

Several factors can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter isn’t too soft or melted when creaming, and that your oven temperature is accurate. Most importantly, don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps the fat solidify, preventing excessive spreading. Also, make sure you’re using fresh baking soda.

This usually happens if the cookies are too hot or if the Kisses are added too late. Ensure you press the kisses in immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, when they are still soft but not excessively hot. If your kitchen is very warm, you can pop the finished cookies (with kisses) into the refrigerator for a few minutes to help the chocolate set faster.

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply form the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, take them out of the fridge and bake as directed, potentially adding a minute or two to the baking time since they will be colder.

Yes! You can often substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure the blend you choose is specifically designed for baking. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed, but keep an eye on the dough consistency and baking time, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.