Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe: The Classic Cookie Recipe

Can one simple method make perfect cookies every time? We believe so.

We share a streamlined, all-butter approach that yields 30 cookies in about 30 minutes total. Prep takes 10 minutes and a short bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes gives chewy centers and crisp edges.

We use creamy commercial peanut butter like Skippy, a mix of brown and granulated sugar, and Hershey’s Kisses pressed in right after baking. Optionally, we return the tray to the oven 2–3 minutes for glossy, perfectly set chocolate.

We cover storage and freezing tips so you can freeze dough balls rolled in sugar for bake-on-demand results. Plus, we preview our bonus section on Chicken and Dumplings—crockpot, 4-ingredient, and a Red Lobster biscuit twist—to round out your comfort-food menu.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and reliable: 30 cookies in ~30 minutes with 10-minute prep.
• All-butter method: chewy center, crisp edge texture.
• Use creamy commercial peanut butter and a brown/granulated sugar blend.
• Bake 8–10 minutes at 375°F; press Kisses immediately, optional 2–3 minute return for gloss.
• Freeze dough balls rolled in sugar for fresh, on-demand baking.
• We include Chicken and Dumplings variants as a savory bonus.

Why Our Peanut Butter Blossoms Are a Classic Made for Today

This version balances nostalgia and convenience for reliably soft centers and crisp rims.

All-butter dough delivers moisture without greasiness. We rely on butter and creamy commercial peanut butter to keep the crumb tender and full of flavor.

Short baking preserves chew. An 8–10 minute bake gives the cookies a soft interior while the edges stay just crisp.

Chewy centers, crisp edges, and perfectly softened kisses

We press Hershey’s Kisses into warm cookies right out of the oven. That quick move gives a soft chocolate center without the candy sliding off.

The all-butter upgrade that keeps cookies moist and tender

Butter adds real flavor where shortening falls flat. Measured flour, a brown/granulated sugar balance, and accurate timing create the signature texture.

• All-butter base for richer flavor and moist crumb.
• Short bake time to prioritize chew over crunch.
• Optional 2–3 minute return-to-oven step for a glossy, set top.
• Rolling dough balls in sugar adds a subtle exterior crunch.

Yields, Prep, and Total Time

This batch is designed to yield thirty classic cookies with minimal fuss.

Yields: 30 cookies per batch. We portion at about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie to match the classic blossom size and ensure even baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes. We mix in one large bowl and use a small bowl for dry ingredients to keep the process fast and tidy.

Total Time: 30 minutes. Bake 8–10 minutes at 375°F in a hot oven so centers stay soft while edges set.

• Space dough balls 2 inches apart on parchment-lined sheets so edges don’t touch.
• Unwrap Hershey’s Kisses ahead of time to press them in as soon as cookies come out.
• Two large baking sheets hold the full batch; parchment speeds cleanup.

“Cookies set as they cool—remove trays on time even if tops look pale.”

Ingredients for Perfect Flavor and Texture

This ingredient list gives exact amounts and quick notes so we hit texture and flavor every bake.

Must-haves: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.

For fats and structure use 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, and 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (commercial brands like Skippy). If you want an extra-soft finish, shortening can substitute for part of the fat.

The sugar balance matters: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar plus 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more granulated sugar for rolling). Add 1 large egg, 2 Tbsp milk, and 1 tsp pure vanilla.

Top with classic milk chocolate Hershey’s kisses, or swap in dark or seasonal flavors for a twist.

Tools and Prep to Speed Up Baking Day

A tidy station and the right tools cut minutes off bake day and reduce mistakes.

We set up for flow: a handheld mixer or stand mixer does the heavy creaming work fast. Use one large bowl for mixing and a small bowl for whisking dry ingredients to keep things moving.

Gear that saves time

Line baking sheets with parchment for even browning and quick release. Keep a wire rack handy to cool trays and stop carryover heat from overbaking the bottoms.

Room preparation

Bring butter and peanut butter to room temperature to speed mixing and get a smooth emulsion. We portion dough with a 2-tablespoon scoop so cookies bake evenly and finish at the same time.

• Keep Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped and within reach for immediate topping.
• Use a shallow bowl of granulated sugar for fast rolling and consistent crusts.
• Space dough balls 2 inches apart on the sheet to allow puffing without merging.
• Organize bowls, mixer, parchment, and rack to minimize downtime between batches.

“A clean, organized station is the single best trick to keep baking quick and consistent.”

Step-by-Step: Make the Dough, Roll, Bake, and Top

Follow clear instructions to move from mixing to the hot tray with confidence.

Mix and build the dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.

Beat room-temperature butter and a commercial nut spread on medium speed in a mixer until smooth. Add brown and granulated sugar and beat until pale and fluffy.

Combine, chill if needed, and portion

Beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients on low and stop when the dough just comes together.

If the dough is too soft, chill briefly. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and coat in granulated sugar.

Bake and finish

Space balls 2 inches apart and bake 8–10 minutes until puffed. Press a Hershey’s kisses into each warm cookie immediately.

Pro trick: return the tray to the oven 2–3 minutes for a glossy, set top. Cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling.

“Press the chocolate in right away so it softens without sliding off.”

Pro Tips to Nail Soft, Moist Cookies Every Time

A few practical tips—measured flour, tiny milk tweaks, and strict timing—solve most texture problems.

We spoon-and-level the flour to avoid packed cups that dry the dough. If the dough looks crumbly, we hold back a teaspoon or two of milk and add it only as needed.

Set timers for 8–10 minutes at the specified oven temperature. These cookies rarely brown; they finish setting as they cool on the sheet, so color is not the doneness cue.

Quick checklist before you bake

• We spoon-and-level flour to prevent dense, dry results.
• Add milk sparingly—only if dough feels dry after mixing.
• Remove at 8–10 minutes even if tops look pale; bottoms won’t brown.
• Measure baking soda and salt precisely to balance lift and flavor.
• A brief chill firms warm dough for easier rolling and more even spread.
• Unwrap Kisses ahead so topping is immediate and tidy.
• Rotate sheets halfway if your oven has hot spots; test one cookie first for your baking time.

“Trust time, not color—cookies set as they cool.”

Variations, Substitutions, and Flavor Twists

A handful of simple swaps unlock new textures and flavor directions for these classic cookies.

Fats and texture: all-butter versus shortening

All-butter dough gives the richest taste and a tender crumb. We use it when depth of flavor matters.

Shortening softens the structure and yields a pillowy, extra-soft finish. Try a 50/50 split if you want soft without losing butter flavor.

Choose your kisses and finish

Milk, dark, almond, and seasonal Kisses all work with the same base. Swap them to tweak sweetness and aroma without changing technique.

For any candy style, we recommend the 2–3 minute return-to-oven step to set a glossy, well-shaped chocolate cap.

• Roll in coarse sugar for crunch or cinnamon sugar for warm spice.
• Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nuttier bakery-style note.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen dark chocolate notes.
• Use labeled 1:1 gluten-free flour blends; add a teaspoon of milk if dough is dry.
• Mini Kisses make bite-sized versions—reduce portion size and shave a minute off bake time.

“Creamy commercial peanut butter keeps the peanut-forward profile consistent across swaps.”

Pair these cookies with hot cocoa or coffee to highlight the peanut butter chocolate harmony.

Storage and Freezing for Make-Ahead Success

Plan ahead and you can have fresh-baked cookies on short notice. We focus on steps that protect texture, shape, and aroma so each bite stays true to the bake-day standard.

Best day-of texture; 2 to 3 days at room temperature

Enjoy them the day they’re baked for the softest centers and crispest edges. If you need short-term storage, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Store cookies in a single layer to protect the chocolate peak. If you must stack, add parchment between layers so the Kiss stays centered and tidy.

Freeze dough balls rolled in sugar for bake-on-demand

For bake-on-demand convenience, roll portions in granulated sugar and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm—about 1 hour.

Transfer frozen dough balls to a labeled bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen and add 1–2 minutes to the bake time for the same puffy finish.

• Label bags with date and portion size for quick use.
• Seal containers tightly to keep moisture out and preserve the sugar crust.
• We recommend freezing dough, not baked cookies, for the best fresh-baked aroma and texture.
• To refresh day-old cookies, warm briefly at 200°F to re-soften centers without melting the chocolate.

“Label and portion before freezing—consistent size and spacing are the simplest way to guarantee repeatable results.”

peanut butter blossoms recipe: Quick Reference and Printable Guide

We build a single-sheet reference that puts all key numbers within reach on bake day.

At-a-glance instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake 8–10 minutes; optionally return topped cookies 2–3 minutes for glossy chocolate.

Use these exact ingredient amounts and steps on a printable card so you can work fast and consistent.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus more for rolling)
• 1 large egg, 2 Tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla; Hershey’s kisses to top
• Portion: 2 Tbsp dough; space 2 inches on a parchment-lined sheet; yield ~30 cookies

“Keep this card on the counter for fast, repeatable results.”

More Cozy Recipes & Creative Twists We Love

For weeknight ease and holiday warmth, we keep a set-and-forget crockpot plan and a four-ingredient shortcut ready.

Slow-simmer comfort and a fast shortcut

Our crockpot version is true set-and-forget comfort. Low heat gives fall-apart chicken and tender dumplings with minimal hands-on time.

The 4-ingredient shortcut saves prep for busy nights while keeping the same homestyle soul. It’s perfect when time is tight but you still want hearty comfort.

A savory, buttery twist that lifts the broth

For extra richness, swap classic dumplings with Red Lobster–style biscuits. The herbed, buttery biscuit adds savory depth and a bakery note to the stew.

• Timing and layering: add vegetables early, add biscuit pieces late so they cook through without getting gummy.
• Serving tip: pair the stew with our peanut butter cookie as a sweet finish and a contrast to the savory broth.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper to brighten the herb flavor.

“Swap in herbed biscuits for an instant flavor boost that feels indulgent without extra fuss.”

Conclusion

We wrap up with a clear checklist to make bakery-quality cookies on your timetable.

Our all-butter method plus creamy peanut butter yields soft, chewy peanut butter blossoms with crisp edges. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, press a Kiss in right away, and optionally return the tray 2–3 minutes for a glossy finish.

Measure flour, balance sugars, and space dough 2″ apart for repeatable results. Store cooled cookies 2–3 days at room temperature or freeze sugar-rolled dough balls for bake-on-demand.

Try different Kiss flavors or a butter-versus-shortening swap to tune texture. Keep a mixer, bowls, and parchment handy, and print the quick-reference card so oven temp, minutes, and amounts stay visible.

Thanks for baking with us. We welcome your tweaks and photos—share what worked for your batch.