Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Easy Recipe

Photo of author
Author: Opera Cook
Published:
Soft golden peanut butter blossom cookies with chocolate centers on a baking tray.

There are few cookies as iconic—and as comforting—as the classic peanut butter blossom cookie. With their soft, chewy centers, sugary golden edges, and melty chocolate placed perfectly in the middle, these cookies are the kind of dessert that instantly makes any day feel cozier.

Whether you’re preparing for holiday baking, a Christmas cookie swap, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this easy peanut butter blossom cookies recipe delivers bakery-quality results without complicated steps. This version uses simple pantry staples, takes minimal prep time, and requires no chilling. Even beginners can bake a beautiful batch with confidence.

If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Soft, classic, and ready fast—these peanut butter blossom cookies will become a staple in your kitchen year-round.


Why This Peanut Butter Blossom Recipe Is So Easy

There are several reasons bakers (beginner and expert alike) love this simple version:

Simple Ingredients You Already Have

This recipe uses everyday pantry staples—peanut butter, butter, sugar, flour, an egg, and baking soda. No specialty items or complicated substitutions required.

No Chilling Needed

Many cookies require chilling the dough, but these blossoms are meant for fast, no-fuss baking. You can scoop, roll, and bake immediately.

Perfect Texture Every Time

This recipe is designed to produce:

  • Soft and tender centers

  • Gently golden edges

  • A warm, slightly melty chocolate center that cools into the perfect blossom shape

Great for Kids and Beginners

Because the dough behaves so well and is easy to shape, this recipe is ideal for:

  • Kids helping in the kitchen

  • Quick holiday baking sessions

  • Stress-free homemade dessert nights

Perfect for Any Event

These cookies are popular at:

  • Christmas cookie exchanges

  • Holiday parties

  • Bake sales

  • School events

  • Potlucks

  • Simple coffee or tea gatherings

Their nostalgic aesthetic and delicious flavor make them a universally loved classic.


Ingredients for Easy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

This recipe avoids pork, bacon, wine, alcohol, beer, and whisky, as requested.

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

Additional Toppings

  • Extra granulated sugar for rolling

  • 24–30 chocolate drops or classic chocolate kisses

Yields 24–30 cookies depending on size.


Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

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

Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

Cream the Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugars

In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and slightly lighter in color.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be silky and well blended.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Mix just until a soft dough forms—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie.
Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.

Pour extra granulated sugar into a shallow dish and roll each dough ball in the sugar until fully coated.

Bake

Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the tops have small cracks.

Add the Chocolate

Immediately press one chocolate drop (or chocolate kiss-style candy) into the center of each warm cookie.
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3–4 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.


Tips for Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Use Room-Temperature Butter and Peanut Butter

Soft ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother dough, resulting in even baking.

Don’t Overbake

The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven—this ensures a soft and chewy interior.

Roll Generously in Sugar

The sugar coating gives blossoms their signature sparkle and helps with golden browning.

Press Chocolate Immediately

While still soft and warm, the cookies allow the chocolate to sink pleasantly into the center.

Allow Cooling

Let the cookies set for at least an hour before stacking or packaging so the chocolate firms properly.


Flavor Variations to Try

Peanut butter blossoms are extremely versatile. Here are several delicious variations that keep the classic charm while adding a fun twist:

Chocolate Twist Variations

  • Dark chocolate drops

  • Mini chocolate bars or chunks

  • White chocolate drops

  • Dairy-free chocolate alternatives

Festive Coating Options

  • Colored sugar (red, green, gold)

  • Cinnamon sugar

  • Sparkling sugar crystals

Nutty Additions

  • Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy

  • Add chopped peanuts into the dough

  • Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate instead of a drop

Holiday Flavor Additions

  • Add a hint of cinnamon

  • Add a drop of almond extract for warmth

  • Use flavored chocolate drops (mint, caramel, etc.)


How to Store Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days.
Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezer Storage

Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Thaw fully before serving.

Freezing the Dough

You can freeze the dough balls (before rolling in sugar):

  • Freeze on a tray for 2 hours

  • Transfer to a freezer bag

  • Roll in sugar just before baking


How to Package Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies as Gifts

These cookies are perfect for gifting because they hold their texture and shape beautifully.

Use Decorative Tins

Holiday tins are sturdy and keep cookies fresh for days.

Layer with Parchment

Place a sheet of parchment paper between each cookie layer to prevent smudging or sticking.

Add Festive Touches

Insert a handwritten note, holiday stickers, or a small ornament to personalize the package.

Cookie Box Pairings

Peanut butter blossoms pair well with:

  • Gingerbread cookies

  • Sugar cookies

  • Chocolate crinkle cookies

  • Snickerdoodles

This creates a beautiful variety gift box.


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Spread Too Much

  • Butter may have been too soft

  • Try chilling dough for 15 minutes

Cookies Didn’t Crack

This often means the dough was overmixed or too dry. Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk if using a new peanut butter brand.

Chocolate Melted Too Much

Allow cookies to cool slightly before stacking.
Store in a cool area, not near heat sources.


Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Are a Holiday Classic

These cookies became famous because they offer a perfect mix of nostalgia, simplicity, and delicious flavor. With their buttery peanut base and rich chocolate center, they match nearly every holiday theme and holiday dessert board.

They’re also:

  • Kid-friendly

  • Easy to decorate

  • Great for gifting

  • Loved by nearly everyone

  • A perfect treat with milk, tea, or coffee

In short, they’re everything a homemade cookie should be—simple, comforting, and warmly familiar.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and mild crunch, which many people love.

Do I have to use chocolate drops?
No. You can use chocolate chips, chocolate squares, mini chocolate bars, or even dairy-free chocolate alternatives.

Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Absolutely. Adjust baking time by 1–2 minutes depending on size.

What if my chocolate softens during storage?
This is normal. It will re-firm after the cookies cool and rest.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This recipe scales very easily for large batches or holiday baking events.

Can I replace butter with oil?
Butter is recommended for the best texture, but softened coconut oil can work in a pinch.


Final Thoughts

This easy peanut butter blossom cookie recipe offers everything you want in a classic homemade dessert: soft centers, golden edges, and the iconic chocolate drop that makes each bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, surprising your family with a cozy treat, or preparing for a cookie exchange, these blossoms will become a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again. They’re fast, reliable, and always delicious—perfect for the busy baker who still wants something special and beautiful.

Enjoy the comforting aroma, the nostalgic flavor, and the joy that comes from baking a truly classic treat.

Opera Cook!
Opera Cook

Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Opera Cook, a passionate home cook sharing tried-and-true comfort recipes made with love. Whether you’re craving fluffy pancakes, rustic bread, or rich chocolate desserts—you’re in the right place. Let’s bake something wonderful together!

Love This Recipe? Don't Lose It!

Subscribe now and Get your FREE Cookbook! 🎉 Delicious recipes are just one click away! 👩‍🍳🍽️”

We use your personal data for interest-based advertising, as outlined in our Privacy Notice.

You Might Also Like...

Garlic Herb Prime Rib in the Oven (Easy Roast Beef Recipe)

Garlic Herb Prime Rib in the Oven (Easy Roast Beef Recipe)

Slow Low-Temperature Oven Prime Rib Roast Method

Slow Low-Temperature Oven Prime Rib Roast Method

Holiday Prime Rib Roast (Oven Instructions for Christmas Dinner)

Holiday Prime Rib Roast (Oven Instructions for Christmas Dinner)

Beginner-Friendly Seasoned Prime Rib Roast (Oven Method)

Beginner-Friendly Seasoned Prime Rib Roast (Oven Method)

Leave a Comment