Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Some holiday traditions feel warm and comforting no matter the size of your celebration—like sitting around the table with fresh, soft peanut butter blossom cookies. While many festive recipes make dozens of cookies, sometimes all you want is a mini batch that gives you just enough sweetness without overwhelming your kitchen or leaving behind too many leftovers.

That’s exactly where small batch peanut butter blossom cookies shine. These cookies deliver everything you love about the classic Christmas treat—soft and chewy centers, crackled edges, and a rich chocolate kiss pressed right into the middle—but in a smaller, more cozy quantity. Just enough to share with a partner, a child, a friend, or to savor alone on a quiet December evening.

With simple ingredients, quick mixing, and minimal cleanup, this recipe is a dream for small families, beginner bakers, or anyone craving a festive treat without the commitment of a large batch. Whether you’re prepping a tiny cookie box, setting out dessert for a holiday movie night, or enjoying a personal baking ritual, these small-batch blossoms offer nostalgia, flavor, and holiday joy in the perfect quantity.

Why a Small Batch Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays

Small holiday gatherings are more common than ever. Sometimes festive moments don’t involve a full house; they involve quality time with one or two people, or even a little solo baking therapy.

Here’s why a small batch works beautifully:

• No leftovers — ideal for mindful eating or minimal households

• Fast prep and cleanup — no big mixing bowls or multiple pans needed

• Perfect for last-minute cravings — ready in under 30 minutes

• Balanced quantity — enough to enjoy but not so many that you’re baking for hours

• Great for small gift boxes — especially for teachers, friends, or neighbors

• Kid-friendly portions — fun for a short, simple holiday baking project

• Budget-friendly — uses less flour, sugar, and chocolate

• Easy to customize — you can make each cookie look different if you like

Small batch recipes allow you to enjoy holiday baking without the pressure of producing a large volume. Every cookie feels intentional, special, and made to be savored.

Ingredients for Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

This recipe makes 8–10 cookies, depending on size.
It includes no pork, no bacon, no wine, no alcohol, no beer, and no whisky.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ⅛ teaspoon baking powder

• pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)

• 1 egg yolk (use only the yolk for better texture in small batches)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 8–10 chocolate kisses or chocolate drops

The small measurements ensure the dough mixes easily while staying perfectly balanced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Because this is a small batch, mixing accuracy is important—level your measurements with a flat edge.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a medium bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter until blended and smooth.

This step creates a soft cookie texture and helps prevent dryness.

Add the Sugars

Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the peanut butter mixture.
Beat until creamy and slightly fluffy.
This ensures the cookies crackle beautifully and stay soft inside.

Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
Using just the yolk gives richness and structure without thinning the dough.

Add Dry Ingredients to Wet

Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture.
Stir until just combined—overmixing can make a small batch dough stiff.

Your dough should look smooth and easy to roll.

Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of dough

2. Roll into balls

3. Roll each ball in granulated sugar

4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet

Because these cookies are small in quantity, you can bake them all on a single sheet.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake cookies for 7–9 minutes.

They should appear slightly puffy with soft centers and lightly set edges.

Add the Chocolate Toppers

Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a chocolate kiss into each cookie.
The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is exactly what you want.

If you prefer a softer chocolate center, use chocolate disks or melting wafers instead of kisses. These melt into a smooth, glossy pool on top.

Cool

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely so the chocolate sets firmly.

Small Batch Baking Tips for Success

Small batch recipes are wonderful, but they require precision because every ingredient carries more weight. Here’s how to get the perfect cookie every time:

• Use room-temperature butter so the dough creams properly

• Don’t use natural peanut butter unless adjusting moisture

• Measure flour accurately with the spoon-and-level method

• Use only the egg yolk—full eggs make the dough too wet

• Roll dough tightly to maintain cookie shape

• Don’t overbake—small cookies dry out quickly

• Add chocolate immediately so it melts and adheres

With small batch baking, a little care goes a long way in ensuring soft, chewy results.

Why Peanut Butter Blossoms Are Perfect for Small Batches

Peanut butter blossoms are particularly suited for scaling down because:

• The dough still mixes well in small quantities

• The cookies bake evenly even in small amounts

• Chocolate kisses or drops portion easily

• They store well even when made in small amounts

• Each cookie feels like its own treat—warm, soft, and nostalgic

Sometimes baking just enough is more satisfying than baking too much.

Flavor Variations for Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms

Small batches are the best time to experiment. You can create multiple flavors in just one tray.

Dark Chocolate Blossoms

Use dark chocolate drops for a richer flavor.

White Chocolate Blossoms

Add a white chocolate button or disk for a snowy, holiday effect.

Mini Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms

Replace the chocolate kiss with a tiny peanut butter cup.

Sprinkle-Rolled Blossoms

Roll dough balls in red, green, or gold sprinkles instead of sugar.

Cocoa-Dust Blossoms

Dust warm chocolate centers with cocoa powder for a richer presentation.

Coffee-Infused Peanut Butter Blossoms

Mix in ¼ teaspoon instant coffee into dough for a deeper flavor.

Spiced Holiday Blossoms

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give a festive winter warmth.

How to Store Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Because the batch is small, you may not need long storage—but if you do:

Room Temperature

Store cookies in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

Place parchment between layers to prevent chocolate smudging.

Freezing

Small batches freeze beautifully:

• Freeze cooled cookies for up to 2 months

• Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes

Storing the Dough

You can refrigerate leftover dough for up to 2 days.
Roll in sugar right before baking.

Perfect Occasions for Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms

Even though the batch is small, the cookies still make a big impression.

They’re ideal for:

• Small holiday gatherings

• Couples baking nights

• Christmas Eve desserts

• Personal cookie boxes

• Teacher or neighbor gifts

• Festive treats for kids

• Office snacks without leftovers

• Simple, cozy December evenings

They provide the joy of holiday baking without the scale of a big recipe—which is perfect for intimate celebrations.

Troubleshooting Guide

Dough Seems Too Sticky

Add 1 extra teaspoon flour and roll again.

Dough Seems Too Dry

Add a splash (½–1 teaspoon) of milk and mix lightly.

Cookies Spread Too Much

Butter may have been too warm. Chill shaped dough balls for 10 minutes.

Cookies Did Not Crack

Roll dough balls tightly and bake on the middle rack.

Chocolate Melted Too Much

Cool cookies in a cooler room or place tray briefly in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cookies does this make?
Typically 8–10 cookies.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes—simply double all ingredients for a standard batch.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but cookies will be slightly more textured.

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

Why do my cookies get dry quickly?
Overbaking is the most common reason. Remove them early.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes—store in the refrigerator up to 48 hours.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! Small batches are perfect for quick kid-friendly baking.

Holiday Serving Suggestions

Make the presentation special even with a small batch:

• Arrange cookies on a tiny holiday plate with pine sprigs

• Pair with hot cocoa or spiced tea

• Add to a mini charcuterie-style cookie board

• Put them in small treat bags tied with festive ribbon

• Serve warm for the full nostalgic effect

Small batches make each cookie feel intentionally crafted.

Why This Small Batch Recipe Works

The key to this recipe’s success is balance. Full batches use whole eggs, but small batches don’t need that much moisture—so using just the yolk ensures chewy softness without thinning the dough. The peanut butter provides fat, flavor, stability, and structure, helping the cookies puff and crack beautifully even in small quantities.

The sugar coating ensures a crisp edge and classic blossom texture.
The chocolate center melts into the warm cookie, bonding perfectly.

Everything about this recipe is optimized for small batch baking without compromising the flavor and experience of the full-sized classic.

Final Thoughts

Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies bring holiday joy on a miniature scale. They’re ideal for cozy celebrations, personal baking traditions, couples, small families, or anyone who wants the magic of Christmas cookies without making dozens at a time.

They’re soft, chewy, lightly crisp on the outside, and crowned with warm chocolate—everything a blossom cookie should be, but in just the right amount. With quick prep, simple ingredients, and endless customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a treasured part of your winter baking ritual.

Even with a small batch, the sweetness, nostalgia, and festive charm shine just as brightly.