There’s a certain kind of magic that happens on a holiday cookie plate.

Amidst the sprinkles and the frosting, one cookie always stands out, a humble masterpiece crowned with a perfect chocolate kiss.

That’s the peanut butter blossom, a treat that feels both nostalgic and excitingly new every single time.

It’s the kind of cookie that makes you pause, the one you instinctively reach for, knowing exactly what joy awaits.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering your ingredients first makes the whole process smooth and simple.

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies:

• All-purpose flour – The foundation of our cookie, giving it structure and a soft, cake-like crumb.
• Baking soda – Our little leavening agent that helps the cookies puff up beautifully in the oven.
• Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature, it creates a wonderfully rich and tender texture.
• Light brown sugar & granulated sugar – Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses warmth, while granulated sugar sweetens the dough and creates a sparkly crust.
• Creamy peanut butter – The star of the show, use a well-stirred natural variety for the best peanutty flavor.
• One large egg – This binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s lovely rise.
• A splash of milk – Just a couple tablespoons to add a touch of moisture and soften the dough.
• Vanilla extract – The classic flavor enhancer that makes the peanut butter and chocolate sing.
• Chocolate Kisses – The iconic blossom on top, they melt just enough to become one with the warm cookie.
• Sea salt – A pinch to balance the sweetness and make all the flavors pop brilliantly.

The Perfect Tools for the Job

You don’t need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets, but a few key items will make your baking experience a true pleasure.

A stand mixer or a sturdy hand mixer is fantastic for creaming the butter and sugars to that perfect light and fluffy stage.

Light-colored baking sheets are ideal, as they prevent the bottoms of the cookies from browning too quickly.

And don’t forget parchment paper, a baker's best friend for effortless cleanup and ensuring not a single cookie gets left behind.

How to make Peanut Butter Blossoms?

The process is a joy, from the first mix to the final, chocolate-pressed reveal.

Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1 - Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

This isn't just about mixing; it's about ensuring the leavening is evenly distributed for a consistent, perfect rise in every single cookie.

Step 2 - Cream the Butter and Sugars

In your mixer bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar and a quarter-cup of the granulated sugar.

Keep beating until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy—this is where the cookie's tender texture begins.

Step 3 - Create the Wet Mixture

Now, add in the peanut butter, the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.

Mix it all on a medium speed until it’s completely smooth, homogenous, and oh-so inviting.

Step 4 - Bring the Dough Together

With the mixer on a low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix only until the flour streaks disappear, being careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 5 - Shape and Sugar the Dough

Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough, then roll it into neat balls with the palms of your hands.

Roll each ball generously in the remaining granulated sugar, creating a delicate, sparkling jacket for each one.

Step 6 - Bake to Perfection

Place the sugared dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, giving them room to spread.

Bake them one sheet at a time in a preheated 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, just until fine cracks form on top.

Step 7 - The Grand Finale: The Chocolate Kiss

The moment the cookies come out of the oven, it's time to act, quickly but gently.

Press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie until the edges just begin to crack, then immediately transfer them to a cooling rack.

Creative Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the classic, a world of delicious variations opens up.

You could use dark chocolate kisses for a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor, which is a personal favorite for many.

For a festive twist during the holidays, try rolling the dough balls in colored sanding sugar instead of plain granulated.

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the warm chocolate kiss can create an incredible sweet-and-salty situation.

And if you're feeling adventurous, a tiny square of a peanut butter cup can stand in for the kiss, creating a double peanut butter delight.

The possibilities are, truly, endless, and entirely up to your own craving.

Tips

A few small tricks can make the difference between a good cookie and a great one.

Keep these in mind for flawless blossoms every time.

• Unwrap all your chocolate kisses before you start baking. When the cookies are hot out of the oven, you have a very small window to press the chocolate in, and fumbling with wrappers will cost you precious seconds.
• Bake one sheet at a time. This gives you the focus and time to properly press the kisses and move the cookies without them setting up or the chocolate melting too much from the pan's residual heat.
• Transfer the cookies immediately after adding the kiss. Use a spatula to move them from the baking sheet to a wire rack right away; this stops the cooking process and prevents the kisses from becoming a melted puddle.
• Be patient during cooling. The chocolate kisses need several hours at room temperature to fully set and firm up again. Rushing this step is a test of willpower, but it’s worth the wait.

Storing and Gifting Your Creations

Once completely cooled, store your peanut butter blossoms in a single layer inside an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to four days, if they last that long.

These cookies are also a wonderful gift from the kitchen.

Stack them carefully in a festive tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a present that is guaranteed to be appreciated.

Why This Combo is a Classic

It’s a pairing that feels almost predestined, a culinary handshake between two beloved flavors.

The soft, slightly salty, and supremely peanutty cookie provides the perfect pedestal for that sweet, milky chocolate kiss.

As the warm cookie embraces the chocolate, it softens it just enough to create a single, unified bite.

It’s a textural dream, a flavor harmony, and a little piece of edible history that continues to bring smiles, one blossom at a time.