Peanut Butter Blossoms Without Hershey’s Kisses

Peanut butter blossoms are a timeless holiday classic—soft, chewy peanut butter cookies crowned with a chocolate center. Traditionally, that center is a Hershey’s Kiss, with its signature swirl that gives each cookie its iconic holiday charm. But what if you don’t have Hershey’s Kisses? What if you prefer a smoother, melty chocolate finish? Or maybe you need an allergy-friendly option or simply want a more gourmet-style blossom for your Christmas cookie tray?

This recipe transforms traditional peanut butter blossoms by replacing the chocolate kiss with melted chocolate disks or smooth chocolate drops. These alternatives create a richer, creamier, more bakery-style finish that many bakers actually prefer over the classic version. The chocolate melts perfectly into the warm cookie, forming a silky, glossy center that holds its shape beautifully while adding a luxurious texture to every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, filling a Christmas cookie board, or creating gift bags for friends and neighbors, these peanut butter blossoms—kiss-free and upgraded—look stunning and taste even better.

Why Make Peanut Butter Blossoms Without Hershey’s Kisses?

Most bakers are surprised to discover that peanut butter blossoms don’t actually require chocolate kisses. The chocolate can be customized, swapped, or upgraded depending on your preferences or needs.

Here’s why you may choose to skip the traditional kisses:

• You prefer smoother chocolate — melted disks create a gourmet finish

• You need an allergy-friendly or dairy-free option

• You want holiday-colored or flavored chocolate alternatives

• You want a cookie that stacks more easily for gifting

• You ran out of chocolate kisses and still want to bake

• You want chocolate that melts into the cookie rather than sitting on top

This variation offers flexibility while still keeping everything nostalgic, cozy, and festive.

The Best Chocolate Alternatives for Peanut Butter Blossoms

There are many chocolate options that work beautifully in place of Hershey’s Kisses, and each one creates a slightly different flavor and texture.

Chocolate Melting Wafers

Melting wafers (also called chocolate disks or candy melts) create a smooth, elegant look. When pressed onto the warm cookie, they melt into a flat, glossy chocolate pool. They’re perfect for a bakery-style result.

Choose from:

• Milk chocolate melting wafers

• Dark chocolate wafers

• White chocolate wafers

• Dairy-free chocolate melting disks

Chocolate Drops or Chocolate Buttons

These look similar to oversized chocolate chips and melt into thick, round pools.

Chocolate Squares

Small chocolate pieces (cut from bars or blocks) melt into uneven but delicious shapes.

Mini Peanut Butter Cups

A fun twist: place a mini peanut butter cup on the warm cookie for double peanut butter richness.

Holiday Chocolate Shapes

Stars, bells, trees, or coin-shaped chocolates add a festive touch while melting to a soft set.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Options

Use any high-quality dairy-free chocolate drop or mini bar piece for an allergy-friendly blossom.

Each option offers a unique appearance—and all are delicious.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Blossoms Without Kisses

This recipe makes 30–36 cookies depending on size.
No pork, no bacon, no wine, no alcohol, no beer, and no whisky are used.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• ¼ cup additional granulated sugar for rolling

• 36 chocolate disks, melting wafers, drops, or chosen alternative

These ingredients create cookies with a soft, chewy interior and lightly crisp sugar-coated edges—the perfect base for smooth-melt chocolates.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cream Butter & Peanut Butter
   In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add Sugars
   Add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy and well blended.

4. Add Egg, Milk, and Vanilla
   Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
   Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined.

The dough will be soft, smooth, and easy to shape.

Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions.

2. Roll into balls.

3. Coat each in granulated sugar.

4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Rolling in sugar creates the signature blossom sparkle and assists with beautiful cracking.

Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly set but centers remain soft.

3. Remove cookies from oven and immediately press your chosen chocolate alternative into the center.

Using Chocolate Disks or Wafers

• Place 1 chocolate wafer on each hot cookie.

• It will begin melting within seconds, settling into a smooth, glossy pool.

• Let it cool undisturbed for 30–60 minutes so the chocolate sets.

Using Chocolate Drops or Buttons

• Press one into each cookie.

• They melt partially, keeping a thicker, rounder shape.

Using Mini Peanut Butter Cups

• Press gently so the cookie doesn’t crack too deeply.

• Let cool to allow the chocolate to firm back up.

Cooling

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
This helps them firm up without losing their softness.

Tips for Perfectly Soft Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Use softened butter—not melted for perfect texture.

• Do not overbake. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers look soft.

• Roll dough tightly to help cookies keep shape.

• Add chocolate immediately after baking so it melts beautifully.

• Let chocolate cool completely before stacking or packaging.

• Use quality chocolate wafers for the smoothest, show-stopping finish.

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

• If dough feels dry, add 1–2 teaspoons extra milk.

Why Smooth Chocolate Disks Are a Game-Changer

Many bakers switch to chocolate wafers because:

• They melt perfectly onto warm cookies

• The chocolate layer is more luxurious and creamy

• Cookies stack neatly without smudging

• Presentation looks polished and professional

• The chocolate-to-peanut-butter ratio improves

The result is a soft peanut butter cookie topped with a silky chocolate pool that enhances every bite.

Flavor Variations

Dark Chocolate Blossoms

Use dark chocolate disks for a richer contrast to the sweet peanut butter.

Milk Chocolate Blossoms

Classic flavor, closest to the original but smoother.

White Chocolate Blossoms

Festive and pretty—especially with sprinkles.

Peppermint Chocolate Blossoms

Use peppermint chocolate disks for a holiday twist.

Caramel-Filled Blossoms

Place a caramel chocolate square on each warm cookie for a gooey center.

Double Peanut Butter Blossoms

Top with a mini peanut butter cup instead of chocolate.

Dairy-Free Blossoms

Use dairy-free chocolate drops for a fully allergy-friendly cookie.

How to Store These Peanut Butter Blossoms

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 5 days.

If stacking, separate layers with parchment.

Freezing

These cookies freeze very well.

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Let thaw at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Freezing the Dough

You can also freeze dough balls:

• Form balls

• Freeze on a tray

• Transfer to a freezer bag

Bake straight from frozen, adding 1 minute if needed.

Where to Serve Peanut Butter Blossoms Without Kisses

These upgraded blossoms are perfect for:

• Christmas cookie boards

• Holiday dessert trays

• Cookie exchange parties

• Winter bake sales

• Holiday movie nights

• Gift tins or treat bags

• Christmas Eve traditions

Their smooth chocolate tops make them stand out visually—perfect for festive spreads or photography.

Troubleshooting Guide

Cookies Spread Too Much

Dough was too warm. Add 1 tablespoon flour or chill 10 minutes.

Cookies Didn’t Crack

Roll balls tightly and coat well in sugar before baking.

Chocolate Didn’t Melt Smoothly

Use high-quality melting wafers for the best results.

Chocolate Smudged When Stacking

Let the cookies cool for a full hour before storing.

Cookies Are Too Dry

Add 1 teaspoon milk and mix again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use chocolate kisses for blossoms?
Not at all! This recipe is specifically designed to work beautifully without them.

What’s the best alternative to Hershey’s Kisses?
Chocolate melting wafers—they melt smooth and look bakery-perfect.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate disks and plant-based milk.

Will the chocolate stay soft?
It will firm enough to stack but stay creamy when bitten.

How far ahead can I make these for Christmas?
Make 3–4 days ahead, or freeze up to 2 months.

Do these cookies hold their shape?
Yes, especially when rolled tightly before baking.

Can kids make this recipe?
Absolutely—it’s simple and fun for little helpers.

Holiday Presentation Ideas

• Arrange cookies around holiday greenery or twinkle lights on a serving board

• Use a mix of milk, white, and dark chocolate disks for a color variety

• Add edible gold flakes for a festive sparkle

• Layer them in clear jars or tins for gifting

• Create a holiday cookie “charcuterie board” with multiple varieties

Why This Recipe Works

Traditional peanut butter blossoms rely on a chocolate kiss that holds its shape when placed onto a warm cookie. But chocolate disks or drops melt into a smoother finish that’s often preferred because:

• They melt evenly into the cookie

• They offer a richer chocolate flavor

• They keep the cookie stackable

• They blend into the texture rather than sitting on top

This recipe keeps the classic peanut butter cookie base but elevates the chocolate topping into something smoother, creamier, and more elegant.

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Blossoms Without Hershey’s Kisses open up a world of creative, delicious possibilities. Whether you want a smoother chocolate pool, need an allergy-friendly alternative, or simply prefer the look of melted chocolate disks, this recipe gives you flexibility without sacrificing tradition. These cookies bake up soft, chewy, golden, and festive—perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and gift boxes.

Skip the kisses, keep the nostalgia, and enjoy a modern twist on one of the most beloved Christmas cookies of all time.