Peanut Butter Blossoms: The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Holiday Cookie

Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of the most iconic cookies in American baking—soft, chewy, nutty peanut butter rounds crowned with a perfect chocolate kiss. They are beloved during the holidays, but their simplicity and nostalgic flavor make them a year-round favorite. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about making flawless Peanut Butter Blossoms, from mastering the dough to achieving picture-perfect cracked tops.

What Are Peanut Butter Blossoms?

Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft peanut butter cookies rolled in sugar and baked until lightly cracked on top. While they’re still warm, a chocolate candy—traditionally a Hershey’s Kiss—is pressed into the center. The warmth of the cookie softens the chocolate slightly, creating the signature glossy, melt-in-your-mouth center that sets this cookie apart.

These cookies first appeared in the 1950s and became nationally recognized when they won a Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. Their enduring popularity comes from their simplicity, balanced sweetness, and playful presentation.

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Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Never Go Out of Style

1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

These cookies use pantry staples—peanut butter, butter, sugar, flour—and combine them into something show-stopping. The contrast of warm peanut butter dough and cool chocolate makes each bite memorable.

2. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Children love rolling the dough into balls and pressing the chocolates on top. Adults love the soft texture and nostalgic flavor. They’re perfect for parties, cookie exchanges, or school events.

3. Visually Appealing

The chocolate “blossom” creates a beautiful, Instagram-ready effect that elevates a humble peanut butter cookie into something special.

Ingredients Breakdown and Expert Tips

Creamy Peanut Butter

Always choose regular creamy peanut butter, not natural or oily varieties. The stable fat ratio ensures a smooth, consistent dough that bakes evenly.

Butter

Unsalted butter gives you precise control over flavor. For best results, use room-temperature butter so it creams properly with the sugars.

Sugars

A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar creates:

• structure
• tenderness
• moisture
• caramel-like flavor

Rolling the dough balls in extra sugar adds sparkle and a slight crunch.

Flour

All-purpose flour provides the perfect texture—soft, but not crumbly.

Leaveners

Baking soda ensures proper spread and crackling.

Egg

Acts as a binder and adds richness.

Chocolate Kisses

Classic milk chocolate kisses melt into the warm cookie and then firm back up, forming the signature blossom shape.

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How to Make Peanut Butter Blossoms (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air and contributes to soft, tender cookies.

Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter and Egg

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in flour, baking soda, and salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Chilling for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances the signature cracked top.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then coat in granulated sugar.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F until the cookies puff up and crack slightly.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate Blossom

Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat melts the chocolate slightly, securing it in place.

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Achieving Perfect Cracks on Top

The hallmark of a Peanut Butter Blossom is the lovely cracked surface. To guarantee this:

• Chill the dough to prevent over-spreading.
• Roll evenly sized balls.
• Coat generously with sugar.
• Avoid overbaking—the cracks form as the cookies cool.

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Storage and Freezing Instructions

Storing

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed bag. They keep for up to three months.

Freezing the Dough

Roll dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Defrost before rolling in sugar and baking.

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Variations to Try

1. Dark Chocolate Blossoms

Use dark chocolate kisses for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.

2. Nutty Blossoms

Roll dough in crushed peanuts instead of sugar.

3. Gluten-Free Blossoms

Substitute a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour.

4. Double Chocolate Blossoms

Add cocoa powder to the dough and press in white chocolate kisses.

5. Holiday-Themed Blossoms

Use peppermint kisses or swirl-patterned seasonal chocolates.

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