Name: Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113 g); ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (213 g); ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (138 g); ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g), plus additional for rolling; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk (15 ml); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour (248 g); 40 Hershey's Kisses (or a few more)

Nothing quite says comfort like the classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate, and that’s exactly what makes this Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe so special. When you bite into these soft, chewy cookies crowned with a melty Hershey’s Kiss, it’s pure nostalgic joy every time.

The image shows a white plate with seven light golden brown cookies. Each cookie is round with a rough, slightly cracked surface and has a single milk chocolate drop pressed into its center. The cookies are arranged in a loose pile, sitting on a white marbled surface. The background includes a light blue and white checkered cloth that is softly out of focus. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a clear contrast between the light cookie dough and the darker chocolate tips. 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 Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made Peanut Butter Blossoms so many times that they feel like an old friend—always reliable and sweetly comforting. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for when you want something delicious without fuss. Plus, that kiss on top adds the perfect finishing touch that will have everyone asking for more.

Classic Flavor Kombination: The perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps; just simple mixing and baking that anyone can handle.
Soft & Chewy Texture: These cookies stay tender and satisfying—no crumbly disappointment here!
Great for Parties & Gifts: Their adorable look and classic taste make them an instant hit with friends and family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe plays a role in creating that tender crumb and irresistible flavor. Understanding why helps you nail the texture every time and lets you swap smartly if needed.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, creamy peanut butter in a small white ceramic bowl, packed light brown sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, granulated sugar in a small white ceramic bowl, a single large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl with milk, vanilla extract in a small white ceramic bowl appearing as a clear liquid, a small white ceramic bowl with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with baking soda powder, a small white ceramic bowl with salt crystals, and a pile of unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses chocolates, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Softens the dough and adds richness without overpowering the peanut butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show—provides that classic nutty flavor and moist texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, keeping cookies chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crisp on the edges.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and helps leaven the cookies just enough.
Milk: Keeps the dough soft and adds a touch of tenderness.
Baking Soda: Gives a gentle rise that makes the cookie light, not cakey.
Salt: A pinch amps up the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure-builder, creating that perfect chew without being dense.
Hershey’s Kisses: The iconic chocolate topping that melts slightly, sealing the deal.

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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

I love playing around with this classic recipe depending on the season or crowd—some days I swap in crunchy peanut butter for a nutty crunch or toss in chopped peanuts for extra texture. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Peanut Butter Swap: Using natural peanut butter changes the flavor slightly and adds a wholesome touch, but watch for more oil separation.
Chocolate Variety: Try mini chocolate chips instead of Kisses for a different texture and extra chocolate punch.
Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter if you want a nut-free alternative that still delivers richness.

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

The image shows a close-up of a woman's hand pressing a large chocolate piece into the center of a small round cookie dough ball, placed on a baking mat. The cookies are light brown and have a slightly rough texture with some cracks on top, arranged in a loose grid pattern. The baking mat is beige with a textured surface, sitting on a white marbled background. The woman's hand wears a silver ring. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Butters and Sugars

Start by beating softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth. This step’s key because it makes the dough velvety and ensures the sugars dissolve evenly later. Then add your brown and granulated sugars and cream until everything’s fluffy and well combined—usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk. This trio binds your dough and adds moisture, so the cookies stay soft and chewy. Mix everything until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed. Be sure to scrape the bowl sides to catch all that peanut butter goodness. Stop mixing once the dough looks smooth and holds together—overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Roll, Sugar, and Bake

Lightly roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in granulated sugar—this adds a subtle crunch and a glimmering finish. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets. Then pop them in the oven at 350°F for 9 to 13 minutes, watching for just-golden edges and a matte top (no glossy shine).

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Kiss

As soon as they come out of the oven, immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth softens the chocolate perfectly—don’t push too hard or the cookie might crack. Let them cool on the pan for a bit and then transfer to a wire rack.

Top Tip

From my many batches of these cookies, I picked up some must-know tips that make all the difference between “meh” and “wow” cookies. Follow these and you'll impress everyone every time.

Butter Temperature: Make sure butter is softened, not melted, for perfect creaming and structure.
Don’t Overmix Flour: Mix just until flour disappears to keep your cookies tender and soft.
Roll in Sugar: Don’t skip rolling the dough in granulated sugar—it creates a slight crisp shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Insert Kisses ASAP: Press the chocolate in right out of the oven to soften it without cracking the cookie.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic—just that iconic Hershey’s Kiss on top. But occasionally, I dust with a pinch of powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (classic, right?). I also enjoy serving them alongside a simple bowl of mixed berries or a cup of hot coffee for a cozy treat spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange them on a tiered cookie stand—those layers of chocolate-topped cookies are so inviting. Wrapping small stacks in cellophane tied with twine makes them perfect homemade gifts that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, though they rarely last that long at my house!

Freezing

I often freeze the raw dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time. It’s an easy way to have fresh cookies on demand.

Reheating

Leftover cookies warm up beautifully in the microwave for about 10 seconds—this softens the chocolate kiss and brings back that just-baked freshness. Just be careful not to overheat or they'll get too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture contrast, but be mindful it can slightly change the dough’s moisture. You might want to reduce milk just a bit if the dough feels too wet.

What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?

You can substitute with mini chocolate chips, small chocolate candies, or even a dollop of chocolate spread. Just add the chocolate immediately out of the oven to get that soft, melty effect.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm. Also, spacing the dough balls at least two inches apart helps them bake evenly without merging.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour. The cookies will still turn out soft and delicious, though the texture might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe has been my go-to for everything from casual afternoons to holiday cookie exchanges. It’s simple, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable. When you try it, you’ll get that perfect chewy peanut butter cookie with a gooey chocolate hug on top that will bring smiles around your kitchen.