Peanut Butter Blossoms: A Classic Cookie That Never Goes Out of Style

Introduction

Peanut Butter Blossoms are one of those timeless cookies that instantly spark a sense of nostalgia. Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies crowned with a chocolate center create the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. These cookies are especially popular during the holidays, but in my kitchen, they make an appearance year-round because they are just that good. There is something comforting about their simplicity, from the crinkled sugar-coated exterior to the melty chocolate nestled right in the center.

What I love most about Peanut Butter Blossoms is how reliable they are. They come together quickly, use pantry staples, and are almost impossible to mess up. I have experimented with slightly reducing the sugar or chilling the dough longer, and the cookies still turned out beautifully soft. Whether you are baking for a party, a cookie exchange, or a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies deliver familiar flavor and irresistible charm every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and visually appealing. They offer a soft texture with rich peanut butter flavor and just the right amount of chocolate. They also store well, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead of time.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut butter
Peanut butter is the heart of this recipe, providing richness, flavor, and a soft, chewy texture. Creamy peanut butter works best for consistent results.

All-purpose flour
Flour gives structure to the cookies, allowing them to hold their shape while remaining tender.

Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and creates a light crispness around the edges of the cookies.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor, enhancing the chewiness of the cookies.

Butter
Butter contributes richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and provides structure to the dough.

Baking soda
Baking soda allows the cookies to spread slightly and develop their signature cracked surface.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor and complements both the peanut butter and chocolate.

Salt
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens the peanut butter flavor.

Chocolate candies
Chocolate candies placed in the center add sweetness and create the iconic blossom appearance.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Roll the dough into small balls and coat them lightly in granulated sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until the cookies are lightly golden and set around the edges.

Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a chocolate candy into the center of each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is around 10 minutes per batch, making it a quick and rewarding baking project.

Storage/reheating

Store Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. No reheating is necessary, though they can be warmed briefly if desired.

Variations and Customizations

There are many ways to customize Peanut Butter Blossoms while keeping their classic appeal. For a richer peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter with a slightly coarser texture. You can also experiment with rolling the dough in colored sugar for festive occasions.

If you enjoy darker chocolate, swap the traditional milk chocolate candy for dark chocolate or even mini peanut butter cups. I once tried using a square of dark chocolate, and it added a sophisticated twist without changing the cookie’s charm.

For dietary needs, gluten-free flour blends work well with minimal adjustments. You can also make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats, adjusting the baking time slightly to prevent overbaking.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These cookies provide a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein from peanut butter. While they are a sweet treat, enjoying them in moderation makes them a satisfying dessert or snack.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do not overbake
Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Press chocolate gently
Adding the chocolate while the cookies are hot ensures it adheres without cracking the cookie.

Consistent sizing
Uniform dough balls ensure even baking and a polished appearance.

Cooling time
Allow cookies to cool slightly before moving to prevent breaking.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to two days before baking.

Why did my cookies crack?

Cracking is normal and gives the cookies their classic look.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, though the texture will be slightly different.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling is optional but helps prevent excessive spreading.

Can I freeze baked cookies?

Yes, they freeze well for up to three months.

What if I do not have brown sugar?

You can substitute with additional granulated sugar, though flavor may change slightly.

Can I use different chocolate centers?

Yes, many chocolate varieties work well.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they hold their shape and flavor very well.

How do I keep them soft?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Blossoms are a beloved classic for good reason. With their soft peanut butter base, sweet chocolate center, and simple preparation, they offer comfort and familiarity in every bite. Whether baked for holidays or everyday enjoyment, these cookies remain a timeless favorite that never fails to delight.

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