Name: Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 24 milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

There’s something about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate that instantly feels festive and comforting, which is exactly why I adore this Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with that iconic Hershey’s Kiss right in the center adding a delightful melty surprise. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just want a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, these cookies always hit the spot.

I’ve found they’re especially wonderful for gift-giving during the holidays. The classic look of the shiny chocolate kisses pressed into the warm cookie dough makes them not only delicious but also super charming to present. Plus, they’re easy to make in big batches, which is a lifesaver when you’ve got a long list to bake for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe plays a specific role that comes together perfectly to create that soft, chewy texture and rich flavor. A couple of small tips here will help you get the best results with your baking adventure.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, good quality flour gives structure without weighing the cookies down.
Granulated sugar: Used for sweetness and a slight crunch when you roll the dough.
Light brown sugar: Brings in moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps the dough to blend smoothly and keeps cookies tender—make sure it’s not melted.
Creamy peanut butter: This is the star flavor, so choose a smooth, quality peanut butter for the best taste and texture.
Large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the nutty and sweet flavors—don’t skip it!
Baking soda: Essential for that perfect rise and slight chewiness in the cookie.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavors in the peanut butter.
Milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses: The signature topping that melts just right when pressed into the warm cookie—unwrapped, of course.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes with this Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe, just to keep it interesting and cater to different tastes. Feel free to personalize these cookies to fit your holiday vibe or dietary needs—baking is all about making it your own.

Chocolate peanut butter: Using a chocolate-flavored peanut butter ups the chocolaty factor for a double treat. I tried this on a whim last holiday and it made the cookies even more indulgent.
Crunchy peanut butter: For some texture, swap creamy for crunchy. It’s a personal favorite when I want a bit more bite in every chew.
Nut-free substitute: If peanut allergies pop up at your party, sunbutter or almond butter can be a good swap—just watch for slightly different textures.
Festive twists: Add a sprinkle of red and green sugar crystals before baking to brighten them up visually for Christmas.

How to Make Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Creaming the butter, sugars, and peanut butter

Start by beating together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and creamy peanut butter. I like using a hand mixer for this—it speeds things up and ensures everything is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air in the mixture, helping your cookies get that lovely light texture.

Step 2: Incorporate the egg and vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mix. Beat it in well so the batter is fully combined and slightly silky. This is when that warm, inviting aroma starts filling your kitchen—it’s one of my favorite parts of the process.

Step 3: Mix in the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make cookies tough, so stop when you no longer see flour streaks—a few crumbs here and there are okay.

Step 4: Roll, sugar, and bake

Now comes the fun part—rolling the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for that classic sparkle and crunch. Place them on a baking sheet with some room to spread, then bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges set but still soft in the center.

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Kiss topping

Right when you pull the cookies from the oven, gently press one unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warmth melts the bottom of the chocolate just enough to stick without running everywhere. I always remind myself not to press too hard or the cookie will crack—soft and gentle wins here.

How to Serve Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe

Seven bowls of ingredients are placed on a white marbled surface. In the front right, a white bowl with a thin dark rim holds a single raw egg with a bright orange yolk and clear egg white. To the left, a white bowl contains coarse light brown granulated sugar piled in a small mound. Behind it, a similar bowl is filled with fine white sugar piled evenly. Next to it on the far right, a white bowl holds many rectangular pieces of solid milk chocolate stacked unevenly. On the far left, a small brown bowl contains several light brown soft blocks. Below it, a small white bowl has a light brown liquid. In the center back, a white bowl holds large white sugar cubes stacked loosely. The scene is bright and simple, with clear visibility of textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically don’t add extra garnishes beyond the Hershey’s Kiss because it’s so iconic as is, but for a little holiday flair, I sometimes sprinkle crushed peppermint or finely chopped nuts around the cookie edges before baking. It adds a nice festive touch and a hint of crunch that some guests really appreciate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic holiday drinks. I love serving them alongside hot chocolate with marshmallows or a simple glass of cold milk. If you’re hosting a cookie exchange, they also go nicely with spiced apple cider or a cozy cup of chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged these cookies around a large plate in the shape of a wreath, adding some sprigs of fresh rosemary for a piney aroma and some red berries for color. It made for a stunning centerpiece that guests loved. You could also package them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon—easy and gorgeous gift ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I find they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week this way, though they rarely last that long in my house! Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked dough balls, flash freeze on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag—this way you can bake fresh batches anytime. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftovers, pop a couple of cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The Hershey’s Kiss softens delightfully, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic. Just don’t overdo it or the cookies can get a bit too soft and lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe?

Natural peanut butter is a bit trickier because it tends to be oilier and less stable in baking. I recommend using creamy peanut butter for best texture and consistency, but if you use natural, stir it well before measuring and possibly reduce other fats slightly to balance it out.
Why do the Hershey’s Kisses go on after baking instead of before?

Placing the kisses after baking allows them to gently melt without losing their shape or getting too runny. If you bake with the kisses inside the dough, the chocolate can overcook and harden, which changes the signature look and delicious gooey center we’re aiming for.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just keep an eye on texture as gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate—sometimes refrigerating the dough before baking helps maintain shape.
How do I keep cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t melted when starting the dough and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, don’t press the kisses too hard in the cookies right after baking as that can flatten them too much.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines nostalgic holiday flavors with simple, reliable baking techniques. Whenever I bake these, I’m reminded of cozy gatherings and the joy of sharing something sweet and homemade. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do—it’s like a little festive hug in every bite!