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 so nostalgic and comforting about a warm cookie topped with melty chocolate, and this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe is exactly that kind of treat. Crunchy edges, soft centers, and that iconic chocolate kiss make every bite pure joy, perfect for sharing or sneaking straight from the cookie jar.

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

This Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe has been a holiday favorite in my family for years — it’s quick to whip up, delivers that perfect peanut butter and chocolate combo, and always brings everyone to the kitchen for a taste. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug.

Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside — peanut butter cookies done right.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have, making this an easy go-to anytime.
Iconic Chocolate Kiss: That final touch puts these cookies on another level of deliciousness.
Great for Gifting: Makes a beautiful, classic cookie jar gift or a showstopper at any party.

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 magic in this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe lies in the simple, well-balanced ingredients that come together to create something absolutely delicious. Each one plays a role in flavor or texture, and shopping for quality basics makes all the difference.

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: Adds sweetness and creates that signature crunchy sugar coating on the cookie exterior.
Brown Sugar: Supports moisture and gives a slight caramel depth that blends beautifully with peanut butter.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star ingredient! Smooth peanut butter melts into the dough for a rich, tender bite.
Unsalted Butter: Gives structure to the cookie while keeping it soft and buttery—make sure it’s softened to room temp for easy mixing.
Egg: Binds the dough and helps with rise and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that balances moisture with structure.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Work together to give the cookies a slight lift and the perfect crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the peanut butter and chocolate.
Chocolate Candy Kisses: The iconic finishing touch that melts just the right amount on top, creating an irresistible center.

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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

One of the joys of baking classic favorites like this is how easy it is to add your own twist. I like to switch up the type of chocolate kisses or even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an unexpected flavor pop. Feel free to make these your own—you can’t go wrong!

Chocolate Variety: I've swapped out the classic milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate or even peanut butter-filled kisses. Each brings a new depth that kids and adults both love.
Nut Butter Alternative: If peanut butter isn’t your thing, creamy almond butter works surprisingly well, altering the flavor but keeping the texture just right.
Flour Swap: For a gluten-free twist, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend; the cookies come out just as tender.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile without changing the cookie’s heart.

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

Step 1: Mix the Sugars, Butter, Peanut Butter & Egg

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F — it’s important to have it ready so you can bake the cookies as soon as the dough is mixed. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together the ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and one large egg until everything is smooth and creamy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Don’t rush this step because it builds the base of your cookie’s flavor and texture.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients Gently

Switch the mixer to low and gradually add 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of tender. The dough should be soft but easy to shape into balls.

Step 3: Shape, Sugar Coat & Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll each ball in granulated sugar for that beautiful textured coating. Place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. I find baking only one sheet at a time helps them bake more evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cookie edges just begin to turn a light golden brown.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Kiss

The moment you take the cookies out of the oven, gently press one chocolate candy kiss in the center of each cookie while they’re still warm. This makes the chocolate soften perfectly without melting into an unidentifiable blob. Then, transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool for about an hour to let the chocolate set.

Top Tip

Cooking these Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms has taught me a couple of little things that make a big difference — those small tweaks truly help nail the perfect texture and presentation.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring your butter and egg to room temperature; it helps form a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
Don’t Overbake: They look slightly underdone when you pull them out, but they finish baking on the tray. This keeps them soft, so watch the edges carefully.
Press Chocolate Kisses Warm: Adding the chocolate immediately after baking prevents cracking and melting; this step is key to that signature look.
Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Even though the recipe says ungreased sheets, I always line mine with parchment or mats to avoid sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

How to Serve Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the chocolate kisses shine, but sometimes I dust a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate just before serving—it enhances the sweetness beautifully and gives a grown-up twist to these classic treats.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or hot cocoa, especially when you're cozying up for a movie night. If you’re serving at a party, I like placing them alongside bowls of mixed nuts or fresh fruit for a little contrast between sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with colorful napkins underneath for a festive touch. Another fun idea is to gently wrap small stacks in cellophane tied with twine for homemade gifts that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and fresh for about a week. I usually separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together because the chocolate kisses can sometimes create a little bit of a mess.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well. I like to freeze the dough balls on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag so I can bake fresh batches on demand. Fully baked cookies also freeze nicely—just thaw at room temperature for a soft, just-baked experience.

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes, which revives that freshly baked softness while keeping the chocolate kiss melty but not melted away.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can! But creamy peanut butter gives the softest, most tender cookie. Crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may make the dough a bit harder to shape, so keep that in mind when forming balls.

Why do the cookies sometimes crack around the chocolate kiss?

Pressing the kisses into warm cookies right out of the oven prevents cracking by softening the cookie surface. If the cookie cools too much before adding the chocolate, it'll be more likely to crack.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some ingredient swaps, yes! Use vegan butter alternatives, a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and dairy-free chocolate kisses. The texture might shift a bit, but these adjustments can produce delicious vegan peanut butter blossoms.

How do I avoid the cookies spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it's too sticky. Also, rolling the dough into 1-inch balls and spacing them well helps keep their shape. Avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I bake this Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe, it takes me back to cozy afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. They’re the kind of cookies that bring people together with their simple, familiar flavors and delightful texture. I hope you give this recipe a try and make some sweet memories of your own with these timeless treats!