Introduction

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are a classic American treat, instantly recognizable by their soft, chewy peanut butter base topped with a perfectly centered Hershey’s Kiss. These cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a sweet chocolate center, creating a timeless and irresistible combination.

Originally popularized in the 1950s, these cookies are a nostalgic favorite during the holidays, but their simplicity and flavor make them a year-round delight. The soft, chewy texture, slightly crackled tops, and melty chocolate make them perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or a special homemade treat for family and friends.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it balances the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The peanut butter cookie base is tender and chewy, while the Hershey’s Kiss adds a chocolatey burst that complements the nutty flavor beautifully.

These cookies are also fun to make, especially with kids, because placing the chocolate in the center is simple and satisfying. Their nostalgic charm, combined with the soft, chewy texture and melty chocolate, makes this a cookie I always come back to. They’re easy to bake, yet they deliver the feeling of a special, bakery-style treat at home.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This cookie is a must-try because it combines comfort, nostalgia, and irresistible flavor in one bite. Unlike ordinary peanut butter cookies, the chocolate kiss on top adds a unique centerpiece that makes them visually appealing and delicious.

They’re also versatile — perfect for holiday platters, birthday parties, or casual cookie snacking. Soft, chewy, and chocolatey, these cookies satisfy both peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional): 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 25–40 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 36 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: ~160
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Classic Bake

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Rolling & Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling dough)
• 36 Hershey’s Kisses, unwrapped

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
   • In a large bowl, beat softened butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
   • Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Form Cookie Balls
   • Scoop 1 tbsp of dough and roll into balls.
   • Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.
7. Bake the Cookies
   • Place dough balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are soft.
8. Add Hershey’s Kisses
   • Immediately press one Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
   • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Arrange on a festive platter for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
• Pair with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a classic treat.

Recipe Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
• Don’t overbake — the centers should remain soft and chewy.
• Press chocolate kisses gently but immediately after baking to prevent cracking.

Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Twist: Use mini chocolate chips in the cookie dough.
• Salted Caramel Kisses: Substitute Hershey’s Kisses with caramel-filled chocolates.
• Nutty Upgrade: Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
• Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized versions for party platters.
• Flavored Kisses: Experiment with different Hershey’s Kiss flavors like dark chocolate or almond.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but cookies may spread more; chilling the dough is recommended.

Q3: Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly — smaller cookies bake faster, larger ones need extra minutes.

Q4: Can I substitute chocolate kisses with other chocolates?
Absolutely! Try almond-filled, caramel-filled, or dark chocolate kisses.

Q5: How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

Soft Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Hershey’s Kisses are chewy, chocolatey, and delightfully nutty. Combining a soft peanut butter cookie base with a sweet chocolate center makes them a classic favorite that appeals to all ages. Easy to bake, visually appealing, and perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or everyday treats, these cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The tender texture, crackled tops, and melty chocolate make each bite irresistible and memorable.