Retro Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

There’s something undeniably charming about Retro Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies. These classic treats, with their soft peanut butter dough and a Hershey’s Kiss pressed right into the center, have been a staple at holiday gatherings, bake sales, and family dessert tables for generations. They’re the kind of cookie that sparks nostalgia—whether you grew up making them with your grandma or discovered them later in life. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe, along with all the tips and tricks to ensure yours turn out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve never made Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies before, here’s why they deserve a spot in your baking rotation:

Nostalgic flavor: These cookies are a beloved classic, evoking warm memories of childhood and family traditions.

Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
Perfect texture: Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies meet the rich, melty chocolate kiss for a delightful contrast.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for holidays, potlucks, or just because, these cookies disappear fast.

Customizable: Swap out the chocolate kisses for other candies or adjust the peanut butter intensity to your liking.

Ingredients Breakdown

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie. Here’s what you’ll need:

Peanut butter: The star of the show. Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture, or crunchy for added bite.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar ensures sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
Egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the soft texture.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure without making the cookies too dense.
Leavening agents: Baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise slightly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Hershey’s Kisses: The signature chocolate center that makes these cookies iconic.

How to Make Retro Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Follow these steps for perfectly baked Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies every time:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Shape the dough: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish.
Bake: Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Add the kisses: Immediately after removing from the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The heat will soften the chocolate slightly.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Take your Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies to the next level with these expert tips:

Chill the dough: If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before shaping. This makes rolling easier.
Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and eggs blend more smoothly into the dough.
Don’t overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so pull them out when they’re just golden around the edges.

Press kisses quickly: The cookies firm up fast, so add the chocolate kisses right after baking for the best adhesion.
Try different chocolates: Swap Hershey’s Kisses for dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or even peppermint varieties for a seasonal twist.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.
Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg, and opt for dairy-free chocolate.

Extra crunch: Roll the dough balls in crushed peanuts or sprinkles before baking.
Flavor twists: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for depth.

What to Serve With It

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:

A cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic experience.
Hot cocoa or coffee to balance the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent cookie sandwich.

A holiday dessert platter alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies.

How to Store and Reheat

To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze baked cookies (without the chocolate kiss) for up to 3 months. Thaw and add the kisses before serving.
Dough storage: Shape the dough into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: Briefly warm cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. The texture may vary slightly.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
This can happen if the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Refrigerating the dough before baking helps.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Try Rolos, mini Reese’s cups, or even a square of dark chocolate for a twist.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting completely?
Press the kisses in immediately after baking, then let the cookies cool completely before handling.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, or frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Retro Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a bite of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times, and a guaranteed way to bring smiles to any gathering. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a bake sale, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. So preheat that oven, unwrap those chocolate kisses, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that taste like love and memories. Happy baking!