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 more 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 beats the soft, chewy magic of warm cookies fresh out of the oven—especially when they’re topped with a melty Hershey’s Kiss. This Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bake for friends and family, and it never fails to bring big smiles all around.

A white plate holds six round thumbprint cookies arranged neatly, each cookie having a light golden brown color with a soft, slightly cracked texture. Every cookie has a single, smooth, dark chocolate kiss placed firmly in the center, slightly melted and glossy. Around the cookies, there are three extra chocolate kisses scattered on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled background with a soft focus of a blue and white checkered cloth in the back. 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 have a soft spot for peanut butter cookies, and adding that signature chocolate kiss just lifts this classic to a whole new level. It’s a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties or anytime you want a sweet treat with a nostalgic vibe.

Classic comfort: These cookies combine that beloved peanut butter flavor with a chewy texture that feels homemade and cozy.
Simple ingredients: You'll find everything in your pantry already—no fancy stuff needed.
Kiss-topped perfection: The melty chocolate on top gives just the right touch of happiness with each bite.
Quick & fun: Mix, roll, bake, and you’re done in about 30 minutes easy—and the kitchen smells incredible!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in making these cookies just right—creamy, soft, and perfectly balanced. Here’s a quick peek at why each one matters.

Flat lay of a small pile of unsalted butter cubes, a smooth dollop of creamy peanut butter, a mound of packed light brown sugar, a small heap of granulated sugar crystals, a single large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with milk, a tiny white bowl containing baking soda powder, a pinch of salt displayed in a tiny white ceramic bowl, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, and several unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses chocolates with shiny silver foils, all arranged symmetrically 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: Adds richness without extra salt; softened butter blends smoothly with the peanut butter for a tender bite.
Creme peanut butter: Go for creamy for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture; natural is great, but the creamy packed with flavor really pops here.
Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel depth that keeps these cookies chewy.
Granulated sugar: Adds a bit of crispness around the edges and helps when rolling the dough.
Vanilla extract: Small splash but a big flavor boost—it amplifies the peanut butter aroma beautifully.
Egg: Helps bind everything and adds structure while keeping the interior soft.
Milk: I like adding a touch for extra moisture that keeps these cookies from being dry.
Baking soda: Gives a gentle lift for that perfect chewy chew and slight crispness around the edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness, making all the flavors pop.
All-purpose flour: The base for our cookie dough, it creates structure while keeping the cookie tender.
Hershey’s Kisses: The star of the show—a bit of melty chocolate to crown each cookie. I always grab the classic milk chocolate ones, but sometimes I mix in special flavors for fun.

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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

While I love the classic approach, one of the best parts of the Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to switch up. I often tweak little things depending on mood or occasion.

Variation: Sometimes I swap half of the creamy peanut butter for chunky to get delightful peanut bits throughout the cookie — adds a nice texture surprise.
Diet tweaks: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk—just as delicious!
Seasonal spin: Try using dark chocolate kisses or even peppermint-flavored ones during the holidays for a festive twist.

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

A close-up image shows a woman's hand pressing a round dark chocolate piece into the center of a golden-brown peanut butter cookie. The cookies are rough-textured and round, placed evenly on a light brown baking mat with a grid-like pattern. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars to Perfection

Start by softening your butter—room temperature is key here so it blends effortlessly with the peanut butter. Use a mixer to beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth, then add your sugars. I like to cream these a bit longer than usual because it makes a lighter dough and gives the cookies that beautiful tender crumb.

Step 2: Mixing in the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, vanilla, and milk. Mix on medium speed until everything comes together nicely—not too fast, or you’ll whip in too much air. You want a silky, cohesive dough right before adding the dry stuff.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients Gently

In goes the baking soda and salt, followed by the flour in small batches. I recommend folding in the flour as gently as possible to avoid overworking the dough—it should just come together smooth and soft. Scraping down the bowl ensures even mixing.

Step 4: Rolling and Sugar-Coating

Fill a small bowl with extra granulated sugar. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll them in the sugar, and space them out about two inches apart on lined baking sheets. This sugar coating adds a lovely crunch on the outside.

Step 5: Baking and Adding the Kisses

Bake at 350°F for about 9-13 minutes. Watch for edges that are just lightly golden and tops that lose their glossy sheen—that’s your cue to pull them out. While still warm, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth softens the chocolate a bit without melting it completely, creating that iconic look and flavor combo.

Top Tip

Having baked these countless times, I've learned a few tricks that really take them from good to unforgettable—here’s what helps me every time:

Don’t overbake: Keeping a close eye on the edges and pull time means your cookies stay soft and chewy, not hard.
Use room temperature ingredients: It makes mixing easier and gives a smoother dough which bakes more evenly.
Press kisses immediately after baking: This little timing helps the chocolate soften just right without losing its shape.
Roll dough balls generously in sugar: It adds the perfect sweet-crisp shell that balances the soft inside.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe

peanut butter blossoms - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—a fresh Kiss chocolate is the star, but for special occasions I sometimes sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before baking to amp up the nutty flavor and add subtle crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a festive touch without overpowering.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy mug of hot chocolate. For parties, I like to serve them alongside a fruit platter or lightly salted nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I arranged them on a festive platter in the shape of a Christmas tree, stacking a few layers with wax paper between. It was a hit! You can also tie a small ribbon around each cookie stack as a charming edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they soften too much, popping them in the oven for a few minutes revives that perfect chew. They usually stay fresh soft for about 4 days.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully—either before baking (dough balls) or after. If freezing dough, scoop and roll them, then freeze on a tray before putting into a bag. You can bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer then transfer to a container; thaw at room temp when ready.

Reheating

I gently warm leftovers in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh-baked softness. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the chocolate too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural peanut butter for the Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe?

Natural peanut butter can work but because it’s usually thinner and separates, it might affect the cookie texture. I recommend stirring it thoroughly or mixing creamy peanut butter with natural for the best results.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is just softened — not melted — and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if your kitchen is warm. Also, using parchment paper or silicone mats helps cookies hold their shape better.

Can I substitute the Hershey’s Kisses with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While the traditional recipe calls for Hershey’s Kisses, mini chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or other chocolate candies can be pressed into the cookies after baking for creative twists.

What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread inside. The bread helps maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft and chewy for several days.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe always reminds me of cozy afternoons spent baking with my family, filling the house with warmth and sweet smells. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly satisfying to share. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these little bites of joy as much as I do—you really can’t go wrong with this classic cookie.