Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic—or as irresistible—as a batch of warm Christmas peanut butter blossom cookies cooling on the counter. The scent of peanut butter, the sparkle of sugar-coated dough, and the signature chocolate pressed in the center make these cookies a cherished holiday tradition for countless families.

Whether you’re preparing a festive cookie tray, filling holiday gift boxes, or baking with the kids on a cozy December evening, these peanut butter blossoms are the kind of treat that bring joy the moment they appear on the table. They’re classic, soft, chewy, beautifully rounded, and topped with chocolate for the perfect Christmas touch.

This recipe is delightfully easy, beginner-friendly, and requires simple pantry ingredients—making it ideal for busy holiday baking schedules. You’ll learn how to make the perfect dough, keep the cookies soft for days, shape them beautifully, and customize them for festive themes. This article also includes frequently asked questions, troubleshooting, flavor variations, and creative serving ideas to help your Christmas peanut butter blossoms shine on every holiday dessert platter.

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What Makes These Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Special

A Classic Cookie with a Holiday Twist

While peanut butter blossoms are delicious year-round, their golden, sugar-coated exterior and chocolate center make them especially perfect for Christmas. Add festive sprinkles, colored sugar, or holiday-themed chocolate, and you instantly elevate a classic into a seasonal showstopper.

Easy to Prepare

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe uses simple steps that even beginners can follow. No chilling required, no special tools needed, and no long prep time—just mix, roll, and bake.

Perfect Texture

Christmas cookies should always have that soft, tender bite. These blossoms deliver:

• Soft, chewy centers

• Lightly crisped edges

• A melted-and-firmer chocolate center

• Beautiful crackles on the surface

Great for Gifting and Sharing

These cookies hold their shape extremely well, making them ideal for:

• Christmas cookie swaps

• Edible gift boxes

• Classroom treats

• Holiday dessert trays

• Office parties

Their festive look ensures they stand out among other holiday cookies.

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Ingredients for Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms

This recipe does not include any mention of pork, bacon, wine, alcohol, beer, or whisky.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coating & Topping

• Extra granulated sugar (or festive colored sugar) for rolling

• 24–30 chocolate drops, chocolate bells, or seasonal chocolate shapes

Yields approximately 24–30 cookies.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Christmas Blossoms

Prepare Your Baking Tools

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk gently to blend.

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add the Sugars

Pour in the granulated sugar and brown sugar.
Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy, light, and fully combined.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
The mixture should now look unified, silky, and well-blended.

Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
Mix just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can create tough cookies.

Shape the Dough

Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough.
Roll each into a smooth ball using your hands.

Roll in Sugar

Place granulated sugar or festive red/green sugar into a shallow bowl.
Roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated.

Bake

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly puffed and just beginning to crack.

Press the Chocolate

Immediately press a chocolate drop, chocolate bell, or holiday-shaped chocolate into the center of each warm cookie.
Let the cookies rest for several minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

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Decorating Ideas for Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms

Colored Sugar Coating

For festive flair, roll the dough balls in:

• Red sugar

• Green sugar

• Gold or silver sparkling sugar

These instantly add Christmas spirit to every cookie tray.

Holiday-Themed Chocolate

Use chocolate shapes such as:

• Chocolate bells

• Mint chocolate drops

• Dark chocolate stars

• Mini chocolate Christmas trees or snowflakes

Drizzles and Toppings

After the cookies cool, add:

• White chocolate drizzle

• Edible glitter

• Holiday nonpareils

• Crushed candy canes

These simple touches transform the cookies from classic to festive.

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Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Belong on Every Christmas Tray

A Timeless Holiday Staple

They offer warmth, nostalgia, and that perfect blend of sweet peanut butter and chocolate.

Eye-Catching Presentation

Their rounded shape, sugar sparkle, and chocolate center stand out on any platter.

Kid-Friendly

Children love shaping the dough, rolling it in sugar, and pressing the chocolate. They’re a great family baking tradition.

Pairs Beautifully with Other Cookies

These blossoms complement a variety of Christmas favorites:

• Gingerbread men

• Snowball cookies

• Sugar cookies

• Chocolate crinkles

• Peppermint bark

Travel and Store Well

They remain chewy and soft for days, making them ideal for:

• Mailing as gifts

• Packing for holiday road trips

• Sharing at family gatherings

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Tips for the Softest Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms

Don’t Overbake

Peanut butter blossoms should be removed from the oven when the edges set but the centers still look soft.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Old peanut butter or stale baking powder can affect both flavor and rise.

Press the Chocolate Right Away

This helps the chocolate stick properly and creates the perfect blossom shape.

Avoid Dry Dough

If your dough feels crumbly, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Use Parchment Paper

This ensures even baking and prevents bottoms from overbrowning.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Storing Baked Cookies

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
They stay fresh for 4–5 days at room temperature.

Freezing the Cookies

Place fully baked and cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature.

Freezing Dough Balls

Shape dough into balls (but don’t roll in sugar yet).
Freeze on a baking tray for 1–2 hours, then store in freezer bags.
Roll in sugar and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to bake time.

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Christmas Gifting Ideas with These Cookies

Holiday Gift Boxes

Pair these cookies with:

• Mini brownies

• White chocolate bark

• Gingerbread cookies

Line the box with festive parchment.

Mason Jar Cookie Gifts

Stack blossoms inside a jar and tie with holiday ribbon.

Cookie Exchange Platters

Alternate colors of sugar coating for a visually striking holiday platter.

Teacher or Neighbor Gifts

Place 6–8 cookies in a clear treat bag with a ribbon and handwritten tag.

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Troubleshooting Tips

Cookies Spread Too Much

Butter may be overly soft.
Try chilling the dough for 10 minutes before baking.

Cookies Didn’t Crack

Dough may be too dry or overmixed.
Add a teaspoon of milk to soften it.

Chocolate Falls Off

Press the chocolate into the warm cookie immediately after baking for best adhesion.

Cookies Look Too Pale

Sugar coatings help with browning, but baking a minute longer can deepen the color without drying them out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, though creamy peanut butter creates the smoothest dough.

Do I have to use chocolate drops?
No—you can use any melt-friendly chocolate shape such as bells, squares, or dairy-free alternatives.

Why do my cookies look flat?
Warm dough or over-softened butter can cause spreading. Refrigerate dough briefly if needed.

Can kids help?
Absolutely! Rolling dough balls in sugar is a fun and simple task for younger bakers.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This is an ideal recipe to scale up for Christmas parties or gifting.

Do these cookies mail well?
Very well. Pack with parchment between layers and use a sturdy tin.

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Why You’ll Bake These Every Christmas

These Christmas peanut butter blossoms hit all the holiday notes: festive appearance, nostalgic flavor, comforting texture, simple preparation, and universal appeal. They bring warmth to the kitchen, joy to your family, and beauty to every holiday platter.

Whether you’re creating a cookie tray, preparing teacher gifts, or continuing a cherished tradition, this recipe ensures that your Christmas baking will always have a classic, crowd-pleasing favorite.

Soft, chewy, sparkling, and topped with chocolate—nothing feels more like Christmas.