Peanut Butter Blossoms have a special way of bringing people together. I remember the first time my youngest asked me if I could make those classic chocolate peanut butter cookies with the chocolate kisses right in the center. She’d tasted them at a school party and couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly soft and sweet they were. That simple request turned into a new staple in our kitchen.
What makes these Peanut Butter Blossoms stand out for me is how easy they are to pull off on busy days but still feel special enough for holidays. With just a handful of ingredients, this easy peanut butter cookie recipe delivers a soft, chewy texture balanced with that smooth peanut butter flavor and a touch of chocolate that everyone loves. When I bring a plate of these soft peanut butter chocolate cookies to the table, I see smiles light up around the room. It’s those moments that turn ordinary days into lasting memories.
I’ve learned a few tricks to getting these Peanut Butter Blossoms just right so they aren’t dry or crumbly. Now I make them with confidence, knowing the chocolate kiss stays perfectly centered and the cookies bake up soft and tender every time. They’ve become one of those holiday peanut butter treats I reach for when I want something familiar yet crowd-pleasing.
If you’re ready for a cookie that feels like a warm hug and can bring your family to the table, this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe is for you. I’m excited to share all my tips and little secrets below to help you master the recipe too.
What You’ll Need

For the best Peanut Butter Blossoms, I recommend gathering these simple ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – My family prefers butter over margarine for that rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – This keeps your Peanut Butter Blossoms extra moist and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter – Choose a smooth variety for soft peanut butter chocolate cookies.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – You’ll get a tender texture every time.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda – This gives the cookies the perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness in this easy peanut butter cookie recipe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- About 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped – The iconic chocolate peanut butter kiss cookies finishing touch.
You’ll find everything for this Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe at your regular grocery store. If you need a gluten-free option, swapping the flour for a good gluten-free blend works well here. If you prefer a natural peanut butter, one without added sugar or salt will adjust your cookie’s sweetness a touch, but still taste fantastic.
Here’s a Peanut Butter Blossoms secret that makes all the difference: cream your butter and sugars until light and fluffy. It helps get that soft, tender cookie texture I love. Preparing your Hershey’s Kisses ahead by unwrapping them before the dough hits the oven makes baking smooth and fast.
How to Make It
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps your Peanut Butter Blossoms bake evenly and prevents sticking.
2. Start by creaming the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl. I use a hand mixer for this step. Your Peanut Butter Blossoms will be light and airy once properly creamed—usually about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is smooth and fully blended. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing here, with warm peanut butter and vanilla scents.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, or the Peanut Butter Blossoms will be tougher.
5. Shape your cookie dough into 1-inch balls. This size gives you perfectly soft peanut butter chocolate cookies that bake evenly. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a lovely sparkle.
6. Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know your Peanut Butter Blossoms are ready when the edges look set but the center still feels a little soft.
7. Immediately press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven. This step is key for perfect peanut butter and chocolate kiss cookies. The warmth makes the chocolate melt slightly and stick beautifully.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This rest time helps set the shape without breaking your Peanut Butter Blossoms.
This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe usually takes me about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy weeknight or holiday peanut butter treat. Here’s where I used to mess up my Peanut Butter Blossoms — forgetting to press the kiss in right out of the oven. Now I always remember, and my kids can’t get enough!
If you want a shortcut, prepare the dough balls ahead and freeze them. You can bake straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the bake time. For even more guidance, this version of Peanut Butter Blossoms from Preppy Kitchen has some great tips on perfecting the chocolate kiss placement.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this Peanut Butter Blossoms comes out with a cold glass of milk or even a cup of hot cocoa. My family loves how these soft peanut butter chocolate cookies balance the cozy sweetness of holiday peanut butter treats with the smooth chocolate in the center.
These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or just a sweet weekend treat. They also work wonderfully as thoughtful homemade gifts wrapped in a pretty tin. I like to line a box with parchment paper and nestle my Peanut Butter Blossoms in layers — it makes for a charming presentation.
For an easy way to dress them up, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on the dough balls right before baking. The salt gives a subtle contrast that highlights the peanut butter and chocolate.
If you’re looking for variations, rolling the cookie dough in chopped peanuts before baking adds a fun crunch. Or swapping the signature Hershey’s Kisses for peanut butter cups creates a richer peanut butter and chocolate kiss cookie experience.
Don’t throw away leftover cookies! Leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms keep fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. We often enjoy them crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade.
If your family loves these, they’ll also enjoy peanut butter pie or old-fashioned peanut butter pie, which are perfect for more peanut butter celebrations. Find those recipe favorites at MomsGate, along with Peanut Butter Pie, Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, and Peanut Butter Cookie Bites for when you want smaller treats.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Peanut Butter Blossoms ahead of time?
Yes! The dough freezes beautifully. I like shaping the dough balls and freezing them on a tray, then storing them in a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s Kisses?
No worries. You can use mini peanut butter cups or small chocolate chips. Check out some tips for sticking the chocolate on these Peanut Butter Blossoms at this helpful Peanut butter blossoms with Hershey’s Kisses: tips for sticking.
How do I store leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a container with layers of parchment paper.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. It’s one way I’ve made this Peanut Butter Blossoms family-friendly for guests with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep the Hershey’s Kiss from sinking or sliding off?
Press the Kiss gently into the cookie right after you pull it from the oven when the cookie is still warm but not too hot. This helps the chocolate stick without sinking. I found this trick thanks to a great Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms guide at Sally’s Baking.
Why do my Peanut Butter Blossoms come out dry?
Make sure not to overbake. The cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out. Using brown sugar in the recipe adds moisture, so don’t skip that!
Can I add extras like chopped nuts or oatmeal?
Yes. You could fold chopped nuts into the dough for added texture. Oatmeal works too but changes the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms feel. I recommend making a small batch first.
What’s a good alternative chocolate for the kisses?
Melting a bit of semi-sweet chocolate chips and spooning a dollop in the center right after baking works well too. Another fun peanut butter and chocolate kiss cookie variation!
The Final Word
This Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe has earned its place in my collection because it’s both a snap to make and loved by all my family. No matter the occasion—a weeknight, holiday, or last-minute treat—these chocolate peanut butter cookies bring everyone to the table with smiles. The balance of soft peanut butter cookie dough with the melty Hershey’s Kiss is a meal win every time.
My Peanut Butter Blossoms Tips:
- Always press the kiss into the cookie right out of the oven for perfect melting.
- Don’t skip the brown sugar — it keeps these Peanut Butter Blossoms soft and chewy.
- Freeze shaped dough balls to save time when baking later.
Over the years, I’ve tried a few versions of Peanut Butter Blossoms with peanut butter cups, sprinkled salt, and chopped nuts. My kids love the classic Hershey’s Kiss version, while my husband prefers the one with a little salt on top for contrast.
If you want more peanut butter inspiration, check out the Peanut Butter Pie or Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie on MomsGate. And for bite-sized fun, the Peanut Butter Cookie Bites are a hit.
I hope these Peanut Butter Blossoms bring your family the same joy mine gets, making your kitchen feel warm and your table full. Go ahead and make this recipe your own, and watch how it becomes a favorite in your home too!
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a signature Hershey’s Kiss, perfect for holiday baking or anytime a sweet treat is needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Granulated sugar, for rolling
- 48 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, butter, and egg until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in granulated sugar.
- Place the balls onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Immediately press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie; the cookie will crack around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive twist, try using flavored Hershey’s Kisses like peppermint during the holidays.

