Simple 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms Recipe

Some recipes are timeless, and Peanut Butter Blossoms sit right at the heart of that comfort-filled nostalgia. Whether it’s the holiday cookie exchange, a cozy weekend bake, or a sweet treat to make with the kids, these Simple 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms bring warmth to every kitchen. Their iconic combination of soft peanut butter cookie dough and a sweet chocolate kiss on top has made them an American favorite for decades.

This recipe was inspired by the simplicity of homemade baking — a reminder that you don’t need a pantry full of ingredients to make something truly special. Perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone craving that homemade touch, this version uses just five everyday ingredients to create soft, chewy, chocolate-topped cookies that melt in your mouth.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• About 24 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

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Directions

1. Preheat and prepare.
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Mix the dough.
   In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky but easy to shape.

3. Shape the cookies.
   Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball in additional sugar if desired for a light crunch and sparkle. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake to perfection.
   Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Avoid overbaking — the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, keeping the centers soft and chewy.

5. Add the chocolate kisses.
   Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate, helping it stick beautifully.

6. Cool and serve.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the chocolate will firm up, leaving a perfect blossom shape on top.

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

20 minutes

Yield

Approximately 24 cookies

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Notes

• For a slightly crispier texture, let the cookies bake an extra minute or two, but keep a close eye on them.

• You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer extra texture.

• If you’d like a richer flavor, try natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oil, but expect a slightly denser texture.

• For a fun twist, use different chocolate pieces — dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even mini peanut butter cups make delicious alternatives.

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The Magic of Simplicity

What makes this 5-ingredient Peanut Butter Blossom recipe so special is its pure simplicity. You don’t need fancy mixers, chilled dough, or complicated steps — just five pantry staples and about 20 minutes of your time. The results are soft, chewy cookies that taste like childhood, comfort, and holiday cheer all rolled into one.

It’s a wonderful recipe for anyone just starting out in baking. The short ingredient list means less room for error, while the classic peanut butter-and-chocolate pairing guarantees a satisfying flavor every time. These cookies also travel well, making them perfect for school lunches, bake sales, or a sweet gift for neighbors and friends.

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Why Everyone Loves Peanut Butter Blossoms

1. Timeless Nostalgia

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about these cookies. They remind many of the holidays spent baking with family, the smell of peanut butter filling the house, and the joy of pressing chocolate kisses into freshly baked cookies.

2. Perfect Texture

The balance of textures is unbeatable — a soft, chewy peanut butter base contrasted with the smooth, firm chocolate on top. Each bite delivers the perfect blend of nutty richness and creamy sweetness.

3. Quick and Effortless

With just five ingredients and no chilling time, these cookies are ideal for spontaneous baking sessions. You can mix, bake, and enjoy them all within half an hour.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids love rolling the dough into balls, dipping them in sugar, and pressing the chocolate kisses into place. It’s a wonderful way to make baking a fun, shared activity.

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Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Blossoms

Use room temperature ingredients.
Room temperature peanut butter and eggs mix more evenly, ensuring a smoother dough and even baking.

Don’t overmix.
Once the dough comes together, stop stirring. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Press the chocolate gently.
If you push too hard, the cookies can crack. A light press is all it takes for that signature “blossom” look.

Let them cool completely.
Although it’s tempting to eat them warm, let the cookies cool fully for the chocolate to set properly. This also helps the flavor develop.

Store them right.
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.

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Variations to Try

Once you master this simple version, you can get creative with a few fun twists:

1. Sugar-Coated Blossoms – Roll the dough balls in coarse sugar for a subtle sparkle and crunch.

2. Chocolate-Dipped Blossoms – After the cookies cool, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a bakery-style finish.

3. Peanut Butter Cup Blossoms – Replace the chocolate kisses with mini peanut butter cups for double the peanut flavor.

4. Dark Chocolate Delight – Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.

5. Holiday Sprinkles – Add red and green sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.

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A Cookie with a Story

Peanut Butter Blossoms have a charming history that adds to their appeal. The recipe first gained fame in the mid-20th century when it appeared in baking contests across the U.S. Simple yet stunning, it quickly became a holiday staple in homes everywhere.

What makes this recipe endure through generations is its perfect balance of flavor and tradition. It’s the kind of cookie you can bake once and instantly add to your family’s “forever” recipe list. Whether you’re introducing it to your kids or reliving old memories, this version captures that same nostalgic joy with even less effort.

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Serving Ideas

These cookies are wonderful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them in creative ways:

• Cookie Platter Favorite – Pair them with classic sugar cookies and chocolate crinkles for an irresistible holiday spread.

• Gift in a Jar – Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar, tie it with a ribbon, and gift it as a “Bake Your Own Peanut Butter Blossoms” kit.

• Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich two cookies with vanilla or chocolate ice cream in between for a fun twist.

• Coffee Companion – Enjoy one with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea for a comforting treat.

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The Secret to Getting That Perfect “Blossom”

If you’ve ever wondered why some Peanut Butter Blossoms have picture-perfect chocolate centers while others look slightly melted or uneven, here’s the secret: timing. Pressing the chocolate kiss into the cookie immediately after baking — while it’s still warm but not overly hot — gives the chocolate time to melt just enough to adhere, but not so much that it loses its shape.

Another tip: unwrap the chocolate kisses ahead of time so you can work quickly when the cookies come out of the oven. That small bit of preparation makes all the difference when it comes to presentation.

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Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

To make ahead: You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready, simply roll, bake, and add your chocolate kisses.

To freeze the dough: Form the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake them directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

To freeze baked cookies: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cookies too dry? You may have baked them too long. Try reducing bake time by a minute or two next time.

• Cookies spreading too much? Use a fresh jar of peanut butter (older jars can have too much oil separation) or chill the dough briefly before baking.

• Chocolate not sticking? Press the kisses in immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm.

• Cracked tops? This is normal and part of the cookie’s signature look, but pressing gently and evenly helps prevent deep cracks.

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Why This Recipe Works

This recipe’s success lies in its simplicity and ingredient balance. The peanut butter provides both fat and flavor, while the sugar gives sweetness and structure. The egg binds everything together, and the vanilla rounds out the flavor. With just five ingredients, every component shines.

Unlike more complicated cookie recipes that rely on butter or flour, this one skips the extras — creating a naturally gluten-free dessert that still tastes indulgent and classic. It’s proof that sometimes, less really is more.

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Making Memories, One Cookie at a Time

At its core, this recipe isn’t just about cookies. It’s about moments — gathering in the kitchen, laughing over sticky hands, and sharing warm treats fresh from the oven. These Simple 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Blossoms embody that feeling of togetherness and comfort.

Every bite tells a story of simplicity done right: minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and the satisfaction of creating something timeless. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just a quiet night at home, these cookies are always a welcome sight.

So, grab your peanut butter and a handful of chocolate kisses — and make something sweet that everyone will remember.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but natural peanut butter can change the texture slightly. Stir it well before measuring, and expect a denser, less sweet cookie.

2. How do I keep the chocolate kisses from melting too much?
Press them into the cookies right after baking, but don’t cover or move the cookies until they’ve cooled and the chocolate has set.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheets to ensure even baking.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe doesn’t use flour, it’s naturally gluten-free — just double-check your chocolate brand to be sure.

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