3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or filled with dozens of ingredients. In fact, some of the most beloved Christmas treats are incredibly simple—just like these 3-ingredient peanut butter blossom cookies. This recipe has gone viral year after year because it delivers all the joy of classic peanut butter blossoms while using only three pantry staples.

Perfectly chewy, soft, delicious, and topped with the signature chocolate center, these cookies look festive without any fuss. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, prepping for a cookie exchange, or just need something fast for last-minute gifting, this recipe is a holiday lifesaver.

These minimal-ingredient cookies also make a wonderful activity for kids, beginner bakers, or anyone wanting big results from a small effort. Despite their simplicity, they bake up beautifully and hold that iconic peanut butter blossom shape.

Why 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms Go Viral Every Holiday Season

Every December, simple holiday recipes surge in popularity—especially ones that save time without sacrificing flavor. This 3-ingredient version is loved because it’s:

• Fast: Ready to bake in minutes, with no complicated steps.

• Beginner-friendly: Perfect for kids, teens, and first-time bakers.

• Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients found in nearly every pantry.

• Beautiful: Still delivers that picture-perfect holiday cookie look.

• Reliable: Always soft, chewy, and full of classic peanut butter flavor.

• Holiday-ready: Ideal for cookie swaps, dessert boards, and gifting.

Even experienced bakers keep this recipe on hand because it’s dependable and convenient during the busy holiday rush.

The 3 Simple Ingredients You Need

Yes—this really is a true 3-ingredient recipe. And it requires no alcohol, no wine, no beer, no pork, no bacon, and no whisky.

Here’s what you’ll need (makes about 22–26 cookies):

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

And for the classic blossom finish:

• Chocolate kisses or chocolate drops (placed on top after baking; these are not counted as part of the 3 essential dough ingredients)

That’s it! These three ingredients create a simple dough that bakes into soft, chewy peanut butter cookies that are sturdy enough to hold the chocolate topper.

Tip: Use creamy peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter for better structure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough

1. Mix the Peanut Butter and Sugar
   In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.

2. Add the Egg
   Add the egg and mix until a soft dough forms. The texture will be thick and easy to scoop.

3. Shape the Dough
   Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into smooth dough balls.

Optional but recommended: Roll each ball in a little extra granulated sugar for sparkle and lightly crisp edges.

Baking the Cookies

1. Prepare the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake
   Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   Bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on size. The edges should look set while the centers stay soft.

3. Add the Chocolate Top
   Immediately press a chocolate kiss or chocolate drop into the center of each cookie.
   The cookie will crack slightly around the edges, forming that classic blossom look.

4. Cool Completely
   Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   The chocolate will set as it cools, sticking firmly to the cookie.

These cookies are ready to decorate trays, fill treat bags, or enjoy with family.

Tips For Perfect 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

Even with only three ingredients, there are tricks to getting bakery-worthy results.

• Use classic creamy peanut butter for stability and texture.

• Do not overbake—take them out when the edges appear set.

• Roll dough balls tightly so they keep their shape and crack attractively.

• Press chocolate in immediately so it adheres as the cookie cools.

• Let chocolate set completely before stacking or packaging.

• For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the tray.

• Avoid natural peanut butter unless you’re experienced adjusting texture.

These small details ensure every batch comes out picture-perfect and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Fun Flavor Variations

Even with a simple base, these cookies can be customized in creative, festive ways.

Sparkling Sugar Blossoms

Roll dough in coarse sanding sugar for a sparkly, snowy appearance.

Chocolate Swirl Blossoms

Use chocolate kisses with seasonal swirls or stripes.

Mini Blossoms

Make smaller 1-teaspoon dough balls and top with mini chocolate drops.

Stuffed Peanut Butter Blossoms

Hide a small chocolate chip inside the dough ball for a fun surprise.

Chocolate-Dipped Blossoms

Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate (dairy-free if needed).

Festive Sprinkle Blossoms

Roll dough in red, green, or gold holiday sprinkles before baking.

How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Storing Baked Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

• Separate layers with parchment paper to keep chocolate tops from smudging.

Freezing Baked Cookies

These cookies freeze beautifully for the entire winter season.

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.

• Add parchment layers between rows.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve: Let thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

Freezing the Dough

You can freeze the dough balls (without sugar or chocolate) for fresh cookies anytime.

• Form dough balls

• Freeze on a tray until firm

• Transfer to a freezer bag

To bake from frozen:
Roll in sugar and bake as usual, adding 1 extra minute if needed.

Perfect Occasions for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms

These cookies shine anywhere, but they’re especially great for:

• Christmas parties

• Cookie exchange events

• Holiday bake sales

• Christmas Eve dessert trays

• School holiday celebrations

• Family baking traditions

• Last-minute gifts

• Winter movie nights

• Kid-friendly baking activities

They’re simple enough for kids to help with but delicious enough for grown-ups to love.

Troubleshooting Guide

Why did my cookies crumble?

This can happen if the dough is mixed too lightly. Ensure the ingredients are fully combined.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your peanut butter is too oily, add 1 tablespoon extra sugar or refrigerate dough for 10 minutes.

Why didn’t my cookies crack nicely?

Roll the dough more firmly, and avoid overbaking.

Why is the chocolate melting into the cookie?

Press the chocolate gently and avoid leaving cookies in a warm room after baking.

Why are my cookies too dry?

Add 1–2 teaspoons milk if dough seems crumbly (any dairy-free option works too).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these really only 3 ingredients?
Yes! Only peanut butter, sugar, and an egg are needed to make the dough.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but the texture may change. Classic creamy peanut butter gives the best results.

Do I need to chill the dough?
No. This recipe is designed for immediate baking.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Extremely—kids and first-time bakers can easily make it.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate drops for the blossom top.

How long do these stay soft?
Stored well, they stay soft for 5 days.

Do they travel well?
Yes. They’re sturdy enough for holiday mailing or gifting.

Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. This is a perfect large-batch holiday recipe.

Creative Ideas for Holiday Serving

These cookies look festive on their own, but you can enhance presentation for Christmas events:

• Arrange on a holiday-themed tray with greenery and ornaments

• Add them to a winter cookie charcuterie board

• Group in clear treat bags with a ribbon and gift tag

• Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or chai

• Use them as edible decorations on holiday dessert tables

Why This 3-Ingredient Version Works So Well

It may seem surprising that so few ingredients can produce such a perfect cookie, but the science behind it explains everything:

• Peanut butter provides fat + protein, replacing butter and flour.

• Sugar sweetens and structures the dough.

• Egg helps bind and lift the cookies.

Together, they form a balanced dough that puffs gently, cracks beautifully, and holds the chocolate blossom on top. This combination mimics traditional peanut butter cookie structure—just simpler and faster.

Final Thoughts

These 3-ingredient peanut butter blossom cookies prove that holiday baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be magical. With just peanut butter, sugar, and an egg, you can create soft, chewy, golden cookies topped with chocolate that look as festive as the classic version—and taste just as delicious.

Perfect for last-minute baking, busy families, or anyone craving homemade holiday cookies without the fuss, this recipe is one you’ll come back to year after year. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap or filling a Christmas tray with treats, these blossoms bring nostalgic flavor and eye-catching beauty with almost no effort.

Simple. Festive. Fail-proof. Exactly what holiday baking should be.