Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms

When you’re craving something warm, sweet, and homemade—but don’t want to commit to an oversized batch—this small batch peanut butter blossom recipe is exactly what you need. It creates the perfect amount for a quick afternoon treat, a small household, or a late-night dessert craving. No overflowing tins, no leftover cookies sitting on the counter for days—just enough soft, chewy, chocolate-topped cookies to satisfy the moment.

Classic peanut butter blossoms have always been a beloved cookie for holidays, cookie swaps, and all kinds of celebrations, but sometimes you simply want a few. This scaled-down version keeps all the nostalgic flavor and texture while using fewer ingredients, less time, and no special equipment. In fact, you need only one bowl, a spoon, and your hands.

These small batch peanut butter blossoms deliver everything you expect from the traditional recipe—soft centers, a lightly crackled exterior, a cozy peanut butter aroma, and a glossy chocolate kiss pressed on top the moment they leave the oven. They bake quickly, cool quickly, and disappear even faster.

Whether you’re baking for one, two, or a few, this recipe gives you a cozy homemade experience without the commitment of a large batch.

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Why Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms Are So Useful

There are many moments when a full batch simply isn’t needed. This small batch version is ideal for:

Late-night dessert cravings

When you want something sweet without baking 30 cookies.

Single-person or small household baking

Perfect if you live alone or don’t want lots of leftovers.

After-school or post-work treats

Whips up fast for hungry kids or adults needing a pick-me-up.

Holiday “sample batches”

Test your cookie tray ideas before making a huge batch for December events.

Quick gifts

Make a mini bundle of cookies for neighbors, teachers, or a friend.

Kitchen simplicity

Uses just one bowl and very minimal clean-up.

Even though the batch is smaller, the flavor is just as rich, warm, and nostalgic as a full tray of blossoms.

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Ingredients for a Small Batch

This small batch version uses no disallowed ingredients (no pork, bacon, wine, beer, whisky, or alcohol of any kind).

Dry Ingredients

• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 small egg yolk (just the yolk)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Rolling and Topping

• A few tablespoons granulated sugar

• 8–10 chocolate kisses, unwrapped

This makes 8 to 10 cookies, depending on the size.

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How to Make Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms

Prep the Baking Sheet

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside while preparing the wet mixture.

Cream Butter and Peanut Butter

In a medium mixing bowl, use a spoon or hand mixer to blend the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.

Add Sugars

Add granulated sugar and brown sugar.
Mix until fluffy. This is what creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Using just the yolk gives a tender cookie without making too many.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to avoid toughness.

Shape the Dough

Roll small tablespoon-sized balls of dough between your palms.
Aim for 8–10 evenly sized balls.

Coat in Sugar

Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar for a sweet, sparkly exterior.

Bake the Cookies

Place balls on the baking sheet with space between each.
Bake 8–9 minutes, or until the tops are puffed but not browned.

Press Chocolate Kisses

Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each warm cookie.
The cookie will gently crack around the edges—perfect!

Cool and Set

Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack.
The chocolate will firm up as the cookies cool.

You now have a tray of warm, small batch peanut butter blossoms ready to enjoy.

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The Texture Secrets Behind These Cookies

Small batch baking can sometimes result in dry or dense cookies if not measured carefully, because the ratios are more sensitive. This recipe avoids those pitfalls with these techniques:

Use a softened—not melted—butter

Too soft causes spreading; too cold prevents proper aeration.

Add only the yolk

The egg yolk makes the cookies rich and soft without producing too much dough.

Cream the sugars well

Air pockets create a fluffy texture that keeps cookies tender.

Avoid overbaking

Peanut butter cookies firm up quickly as they cool.
Remove them as soon as the tops puff.

Let the chocolate kiss set naturally

This prevents melted chocolate from becoming dull.

These details help create blossoms that taste exactly like the full batch version—just fewer of them.

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Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Version

This scaled-down recipe is not just practical—it’s special. Here’s why:

Quick and easy

Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.

Only one bowl

No extra dishes cluttering the sink.

Perfect texture

The cookies stay soft and chewy without spreading too much.

Just enough cookies

You get a small treat without leftovers that tempt you the rest of the week.

Flexible and customizable

You can adjust ingredients for different variations.

Small batch baking is comforting, efficient, and great for mindful treat-making.

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Fun Variations for Small Batch Peanut Butter Blossoms

Even small batches can have big personality. Try these variations:

Chocolate Swaps

• Dark chocolate kisses

• White chocolate kisses

• Caramel-filled chocolate centers

• Mini chocolate kisses for tiny blossoms

• Chocolate disks (for flatter blossoms)

Flavor Boosts

• Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

• Add a spoonful of crushed peanuts

• Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy

• Add a dash of nutmeg for a cozy holiday feel

Coating Ideas

• Use colored sanding sugar for festive cookies

• Roll in coarse sugar for sparkle

• Add nonpareil sprinkles

Mini Blossoms

Make teaspoon-sized dough balls for adorable bite-sized treats.

These flavor and presentation tweaks make small batch baking fun and customizable.

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How to Store Small Batch Blossoms

Since these cookies are meant to be eaten quickly, storage is simple.

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Keep Them Soft

Add a piece of soft bread in the storage container.
The cookies absorb moisture and stay tender.

Freezing

If you want to save a few for later:

Freeze baked cookies:
Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Freeze dough balls:
Prepare dough balls and freeze raw.
Roll in sugar right before baking.

Bake from frozen by adding 1 extra minute.

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Small Batch Baking Tips for Success

Working with scaled-down recipes requires careful attention to detail. These tips ensure consistent results:

Measure accurately

Small errors have a big impact when using tiny ingredient amounts.

Use fresh ingredients

Old baking soda or baking powder can cause flat cookies.

Don’t overwork the dough

Mix just until combined.

Choose the right peanut butter

Thick, creamy peanut butter works best.

Avoid warm baking sheets

A hot sheet can flatten your cookies before they bake.

Treat every cookie with attention

When you’re only making 8–10 cookies, each one matters!

These simple habits make a huge difference in baking quality.

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What Makes Peanut Butter Blossoms So Magical?

It’s the combination of contrasts:

• Soft cookie + firm chocolate

• Warm peanut butter aroma + cool chocolate center

• Slightly crackled edges + smooth candy top

• Crunchy sugar coating + tender crumb

Each bite is nostalgic, comforting, and perfectly balanced.

Small batch or large batch—the magic remains the same.

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Troubleshooting Guide

Here’s how to fix the most common issues with peanut butter blossoms:

Cookies spread too much

Cause: butter too warm
Fix: refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes before baking

Cookies too dense

Cause: too much flour or overmixing
Fix: spoon and level flour; stop mixing early

Chocolate kiss melts

Cause: stacking cookies too soon
Fix: cool completely before packaging

Cookies too dry

Cause: overbaking
Fix: remove as soon as tops puff

Cookies won’t crack

Cause: dough too cold
Fix: let dough warm slightly before shaping

This guide helps beginners and experts achieve picture-perfect cookies every time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many cookies does this small batch make?
Typically 8–10 cookies depending on size.

Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes—simply multiply all ingredients evenly.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but make sure it’s thick, not runny.

Do I need the egg yolk?
Yes, it gives moisture and prevents dryness in small batches.

Can I make these without a mixer?
Absolutely. A spoon or spatula works perfectly.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, it adds texture and nutty crunch.

How long does it take for the kisses to set?
About 1 hour at room temperature.

Can I bake these in an air fryer?
You can. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for about 7 minutes.

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Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Baking Rotation

Small batch baking is a game-changer. It allows you to experience the joy of fresh home-baked cookies without the excess, time, or effort of a full batch.

This recipe is:

• Fast

• Easy

• Comforting

• Perfectly portioned

• Kid-friendly

• Beginner-friendly

• Flexible for endless variations

It’s ideal for any moment when you want a sweet treat but don’t need a mountain of cookies. With soft peanut butter centers, sugar-coated exteriors, and chocolate kisses on top, these small batch peanut butter blossoms are everything you love—just in the right amount.

Save this recipe for cozy nights, small celebrations, afternoon pick-me-ups, and special homemade moments that don’t require a big production.