Name: Peanut Butter Blossom 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; 1¾ cup all-purpose flour (248 g); 40 Hershey's Kisses (or a few more)

There's something undeniably delightful about the perfect combination of soft peanut butter cookies crowned with a melty chocolate kiss right at the center—that's exactly what the Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe delivers. Every bite brings a nostalgic warmth and a balance of flavors that’s hard to resist, making it well worth pulling out your mixer and oven for.

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 Blossom Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first baked this Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe years ago, it quickly became a family favorite. The combination of a tender, chewy cookie and a shiny, chocolatey Hershey’s Kiss just feels like a hug in cookie form. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make even if you’re juggling a busy day.

Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean even beginner bakers can enjoy success.
Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies provide a satisfying bite every time.
Nostalgic Flavor: The sweet and salty combo with a chocolate kiss on top will take you back to childhood memories.
Great for Gifting: These cookies store well and make delightful homemade gifts for any occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a beautiful balance of pantry staples that come together to create a soft, peanut butter-rich cookie with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of salt to brighten the flavors.

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: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt content perfectly, and it adds rich moisture and tenderness to the cookie.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy variety blends smoothly into the dough, giving that classic peanut butter flavor everyone loves.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
Granulated Sugar: Used both in the dough and for rolling the cookie balls, it gives a slight crunch and sparkle to the exterior.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors in the cookie for a balanced taste.
Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s soft structure.
Milk: Adds a touch of extra moisture and tenderness to the dough.
Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough for a perfect texture.
Salt: Amplifies the peanut butter flavor and balances the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder; just enough to hold the cookie together without making it tough.
Hershey’s Kisses: The star topping—melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating that iconic look and an irresistible chocolate surprise.

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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 the original recipe is fantastic as is, I often like to tweak it depending on my mood or who I'm baking for. A little customization lets you make these cookies your own and keep that warm peanut butter chocolate goodness fresh every time.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the Hershey’s Kisses for peanut butter cups or even a small dollop of homemade chocolate ganache for a richer finish. It’s a hit during holiday cookie swaps!
Dietary Modifications: I’ve tried using natural peanut butter with no added sugar for a less sweet treat, which pairs well with a sprinkle of sea salt on top instead of sugar.
Seasonal Change: Around the holidays, I mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth and a festive twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Blossom 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: Cream the Butters and Sugars

I start by softening the butter perfectly so it blends effortlessly with the creamy peanut butter. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to mix these two until smooth—no clumps! Then add the brown and granulated sugars and beat until fluffy. This creaming step is crucial because it traps air for a lighter cookie texture, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, in goes the egg, vanilla, and milk. Mixing these just until combined keeps the dough from becoming tough. I always crack my egg into a small bowl first to avoid any shells sneaking in, then mix gently until smooth and a lovely creamy batter forms.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, stirring gently before folding in the flour a little at a time. I like to use a rubber spatula to fold the flour carefully—just until the dough holds together and no flour streaks remain. Overmixing here will make your cookies dense, so keep it light and easy.

Step 4: Sugar Coat and Bake

I scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll each one in granulated sugar for a pleasing crunch and sweetness on the exterior. Place them evenly spaced on parchment or silicone mats so they bake uniformly. Bake at 350°F for 9–13 minutes—watch for golden edges and a slightly matte top, no glossy shine. That’s your cue to pull them out!

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kisses

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each hot cookie. The heat softens the chocolate to meld perfectly without melting away. Then let your cookies cool completely before moving them to a wire rack or storage container to keep their shape and texture intact.

Top Tip

From my many batches of this Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe, I've learned a few tricks that make all the difference in texture and taste.

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. Too soft and the dough gets too loose; too cold, and you won’t get that smooth creaminess.
Don’t Overmix: Once flour is added, mix just until combined to keep cookies tender and chewy.
Roll in Sugar: Don’t skip rolling your dough balls in granulated sugar—this adds a subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy center.
Add Kisses Immediately: Press kisses in while cookies are hot to soften them just right without losing their shape.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe

peanut butter cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep these cookies simple with just the classic Kiss on top—it’s iconic for a reason! But for a fun twist, I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate when it's just placed, which makes the sweet and salty interplay even more heavenly.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own with a glass of cold milk, but pairing them with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea takes the experience next level. For parties, I like serving them alongside a simple fruit platter or some lightly salted nuts to balance the sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

During the holidays, I arrange these cookies on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow,” sometimes decorating the tray with mini pine cones and sprigs of rosemary for a beautiful, aromatic touch. Layering them in cute tins wrapped in ribbons also makes for lovely gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay wonderfully soft but firm enough not to lose their shape. Layering them with parchment paper prevents sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both the dough balls and baked cookies successfully. For dough, roll and sugar coat before freezing on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag—bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, I warm cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a preheated 300°F oven. The chocolate kiss gets that freshly melted touch again, and the cookie softens perfectly without getting chewy or hard.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can definitely substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer the texture it adds. Just keep in mind the dough might be a bit chunkier and could require a little more mixing to fully combine. The cookies will have a bit more bite, which many peanut butter lovers enjoy!

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

If you don’t have Hershey’s Kisses, small chocolate chips or mini peanut butter cups work as great alternatives. Add them right after baking while the cookies are hot to get that iconic melted look and flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough balls briefly before baking if your kitchen is warm. This helps the cookies keep their shape and develop those signature crinkly edges without running all over the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I recommend one with xanthan gum included to help the cookies hold their shape and texture. Baking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to bring smiles, whether you’re making a batch for after-school snacks, a holiday cookie swap, or just because. It’s comforting, forgiving, and downright delicious—all the qualities you want in a cookie. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and chances are, it’ll become a go-to classic in your kitchen too.