Soft Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies (No Chill Dough)

Peanut butter blossom cookies are a classic Christmas tradition—soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a perfectly pressed chocolate kiss. They’re beloved for cookie exchanges, gifting, and festive dessert trays because they bring together nostalgic flavors and beautiful presentation. But many peanut butter blossom recipes require chilling the dough, which adds extra time—usually when holiday baking schedules are already packed.

This recipe offers the perfect solution: soft peanut butter blossom cookies made with a no-chill dough. You can mix, roll, bake, and enjoy—no refrigeration, no waiting, and no complicated steps. Despite skipping the chill time, these cookies stay thick, soft, and perfectly shaped with that signature golden crackle.

If you’re looking for an easy, beginner-friendly holiday cookie that tastes bakery-quality and looks gorgeous, this recipe is designed exactly for you.

Why These Peanut Butter Blossoms Are Ideal for Holiday Baking

Holiday baking often comes with long to-do lists and tight schedules. A no-chill dough is more than just convenient—it’s a game changer. This recipe is designed specifically for:

• Busy bakers who want cookies ready fast

• Holiday parties where a full tray is needed in under an hour

• Cookie exchanges where reliable, uniform cookies are essential

• Gift boxes & dessert boards needing soft yet sturdy cookies

• Beginner bakers wanting guaranteed success

• Families baking with kids, since the process is simple and fun

The cookies stay soft for days, the centers remain chewy, and the chocolate topping melts just enough to stick without losing its shape.

Ingredients for Soft Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies (No Chill Dough)

Every ingredient is pantry-friendly and fits holiday baking criteria with no alcohol, no pork, no bacon, no wine, no beer, and no whisky.

This recipe makes about 30–36 cookies depending on size.

• 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

• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided—¾ cup for dough + ¼ cup for rolling)

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons milk (any dairy or plant-based alternative)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 36 chocolate kiss candies or similar chocolate drops (ensure no alcohol-based fillings)

These ingredients blend together to create a soft, lightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and chewy—the ideal peanut butter blossom texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough

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

2. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
   In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures a soft final cookie.

3. Add Sugars
   Add brown sugar and ¾ cup granulated sugar. Beat until light and creamy. This encourages crackly tops and a tender crumb.

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

5. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Your dough is ready—no chilling required!

Shaping and Rolling

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough.

2. Roll each dough ball in remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar to coat.

3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each piece about 2 inches apart.

Rolling in sugar gives the cookies their classic sparkle and helps develop the soft-crisp edges.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until edges look slightly set but centers appear soft and puffy.

3. Immediately after removing from oven, gently press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie.

The heat melts the bottom of the chocolate just enough to adhere firmly while keeping its iconic swirl intact.

4. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

These cookies firm up as they cool while staying perfectly soft inside.

Tips for Extra Soft, Extra Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Use softened butter—not melted for the best texture.

• Do not overbake. Remove cookies when they appear slightly underdone.

• Roll dough balls tightly to prevent cracking too much in the oven.

• Add a splash more milk if dough feels too dry.

• Use high-quality chocolate kisses for better melting and flavor.

• Let cookies cool completely before packaging or stacking.

These small adjustments make a huge difference in the final texture and appearance.

Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Storing

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Stacking Tip: Separate layers with parchment to avoid chocolate smudging.

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve, thaw at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.

Freezing Dough

This dough freezes beautifully even though it’s no-chill.

• Scoop dough balls

• Freeze on a tray until firm

• Transfer to a freezer bag

To bake: Let thaw 10 minutes, roll in sugar, bake as usual.

Variations to Try

This recipe is classic, but can be modified for taste, dietary needs, or fun holiday themes.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms

Use cocoa powder to replace ¼ cup flour for chocolate-infused dough.

Crunchy Sugar Coating

Roll dough in coarse sanding sugar for extra texture and sparkle.

Festive Candy Toppers

Replace chocolate kisses with:

• dairy-free chocolate drops

• mini peanut butter cups

• chocolate-filled stars

• caramel-filled candies (no alcohol varieties)

Vegan Version

Use:

• plant-based butter

• plant-based milk

• flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)

Chocolate-topper must also be dairy-free.

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Add 1 extra tablespoon milk if dough feels crumbly.

Great Occasions for Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

These cookies are more than just a Christmas classic. They’re perfect for:

• Cookie exchange parties

• Holiday gift boxes

• Winter dessert boards

• Christmas school events

• Family baking days

• New Year celebrations

• Office cookie trays

• Homemade gift baskets

Their presentation is visually stunning, and their soft texture ensures crowd-pleasing results every time.

Troubleshooting Guide

Why are my cookies dry?

Too much flour. Spoon-and-level your flour instead of scooping from the bag.

Why are my cookies flat?

• Butter may have been too warm

• Dough was overmixed

• Oven was too hot

Try reducing oven temperature slightly or rolling dough more tightly.

Why did my chocolate melt too much?

Insert chocolate after cookies come out of the oven—not before baking.

Why didn’t my cookies crack nicely?

Rolling in sugar helps promote the signature crackle. Be sure not to skip this step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s possible, but not recommended. Natural peanut butter often makes dough oily or crumbly. Use classic creamy versions for best results.

Can I make these cookies without chocolate?
Absolutely. Press with a peanut butter chip or leave plain for soft, golden peanut butter cookies.

Do the cookies stay soft after cooling?
Yes! These are specifically designed for a tender, chewy texture that stays fresh for days.

Are these cookies good for gifting?
Perfect for gifting—soft, photogenic, and sturdy enough for transport.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This recipe doubles and triples well for large-batch holiday baking.

Do I need parchment paper?
It helps prevent over-browning and keeps bottoms soft, but silicone mats work too.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes—this adds texture and nutty crunch to the cookies.

How to Create Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Blossoms

For picture-perfect blossoms:

• Roll dough into smooth, compact balls

• Coat heavily in sugar

• Bake on the middle oven rack

• Press chocolates lightly—don’t flatten cookie

• Let them cool untouched to keep the swirl pristine

These details make your cookies look professional and festive.

Holiday Serving Ideas

• Serve on a red or gold holiday platter

• Add to a Christmas cookie charcuterie board

• Wrap in clear treat bags with ribbon tags

• Display around a centerpiece for holiday dessert tables

• Pair with hot cocoa, chai, or classic milk (dairy or plant-based)

Final Thoughts

Soft Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies made with no-chill dough are the ultimate holiday time-saver. You get all the classic flavor, chewy texture, and festive beauty without waiting for the dough to firm up. Perfect for Christmas, cookie exchanges, winter celebrations, or spontaneous holiday cravings, these cookies deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

They’re soft, chewy, golden, and irresistibly nostalgic—everything a holiday cookie should be. Whether you’re gifting them or enjoying them with loved ones, this recipe is designed to become a yearly tradition.