Few holiday cookies are as instantly recognizable and universally loved as peanut butter blossom cookies. With their signature cracked tops, rich peanut butter base, and iconic chocolate center, these cookies have become a timeless part of festive baking traditions. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and just indulgent enough to feel special—exactly what you want during the holiday season.
What truly sets a great peanut butter blossom apart from an average one is texture. The best versions are tender and soft in the middle, lightly crisp around the edges, and packed with deep peanut butter flavor without feeling dry or crumbly. This recipe delivers exactly that. Each bite melts in your mouth, with the creamy chocolate topping adding contrast and sweetness that balances the nutty base perfectly.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can dress them up with colorful sanding sugar, festive sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar for holiday flair, making them ideal for cookie swaps, parties, and gift boxes. Best of all, the dough can be prepared ahead of time, making these cookies as convenient as they are delicious.
Why Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
Peanut butter blossom cookies strike the perfect balance between classic comfort and festive charm. The peanut butter dough delivers richness and warmth, while the chocolate center adds a familiar sweetness that appeals to all ages. Unlike some holiday cookies that require chilling, rolling, or complex decorating, these cookies are straightforward and forgiving—perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Another reason these cookies shine is their consistency. When made correctly, they stay soft for days, travel well, and look just as good on day three as they do fresh out of the oven. That reliability makes them a must-have addition to any holiday baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Creamy peanut butter (conventional, not natural)
- Dark brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Kosher salt
For Topping and Decoration
- Chocolate kisses or mini peanut butter cups
- Optional: sanding sugar, holiday sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the cookies bake quickly, helping them puff and set without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and encourages even browning.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until completely smooth and fluffy. This step builds the foundation for tender cookies.
Step 4: Add the Sugars
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the bowl. Beat until the mixture looks light, creamy, and slightly airy. The brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar helps with structure.
Step 5: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully incorporated. The dough should look uniform and glossy at this stage.
Step 6: Add Dry Ingredients
On the lowest mixer speed, add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for slight spreading.
Step 8: Roll and Coat
Roll each dough portion between your palms until smooth. If desired, roll the dough balls in sanding sugar, festive sprinkles, or cinnamon sugar for a decorative finish.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are puffed and lightly golden around the edges. The centers should still look soft.
Step 10: Add the Chocolate
Immediately press a chocolate kiss or mini peanut butter cup into the center of each hot cookie. The cookie will crack slightly around the edges—this is exactly what you want.
Step 11: Cool
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.
Step 12: Decorate and Serve
If desired, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. Arrange on a platter and serve at room temperature.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blossom
Choosing the right peanut butter is critical. Conventional creamy peanut butter works best because it contains stabilizers that create a consistent dough. Natural peanut butter can separate, resulting in greasy or dry cookies.
Measure flour carefully. Too much flour is the most common cause of dry cookies. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly.
Bake just until set. These cookies continue to firm up as they cool. Pulling them from the oven while the centers are soft ensures a chewy texture later.
Press the chocolate in immediately. Waiting too long can cause the cookies to crack excessively or cool too much for the candy to stick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is flexibility. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to two days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
For longer storage, roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding one extra minute to the baking time.
Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or frozen for later enjoyment.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Swap milk chocolate kisses for dark chocolate or caramel-filled chocolates
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warmth
- Use mini peanut butter cups for extra richness
- Drizzle white chocolate for contrast and elegance
Final Thoughts
Festive peanut butter blossom cookies are a holiday baking essential for good reason. They’re simple yet special, nostalgic yet endlessly adaptable. With their soft centers, crisp edges, and iconic chocolate topping, these cookies deliver comfort and celebration in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting homemade treats, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results every time.