Some holiday cookies come and go, but chewy peanut butter blossom cookies stay at the top of every Christmas baking list. These nostalgic treats deliver everything we crave during the holidays—soft and chewy centers, lightly crisp edges, sugar-sparkled exteriors, and that iconic chocolate kiss pressed right into the warm cookie. They’re festive, easy to make, and guaranteed to be the first treats to disappear from a holiday cookie tray.

But not all peanut butter blossoms are created equal. Some turn out too dry, too crumbly, or too puffy. Others lose their shape or become hard once cooled. That’s why this chewy peanut butter blossom cookie recipe is designed with precision, comfort-food flavor, and holiday perfection in mind. You’ll get a tender, melt-in-your-mouth chew with every bite, a golden-brown finish, and chocolate that stays beautifully centered.

Whether you’re preparing Christmas dessert boards, assembling cookie exchange boxes, gifting homemade holiday tins, or simply baking with family on a cozy winter evening, this recipe is the perfect blend of classic tradition and bakery-quality flavor. It uses everyday ingredients, requires minimal steps, and includes expert baking tips to help you consistently achieve the signature chewy texture that makes peanut butter blossoms unforgettable.

Let’s dive into the full recipe, variations, troubleshooting advice, FAQs, and everything you need to know to make the chewiest peanut butter blossom cookies ever.

---

What Makes These Peanut Butter Blossoms Extra Chewy?

Chewiness comes from the perfect balance of moisture, fat, sugar ratios, and bake time. While many recipes focus on convenience, this one focuses on texture—ensuring the cookies remain chewy even after cooling.

Several factors contribute to the ideal chewy peanut butter blossom:

Brown Sugar Moisture

Brown sugar has molasses, which brings moisture and chewiness. Using more brown sugar than white sugar ensures the cookies don’t dry out.

Peanut Butter Fat Component

Peanut butter creates richness and softness. The consistency of creamy peanut butter helps the cookie maintain structure while staying tender.

Perfectly Timed Bake

Under-baking slightly is essential for achieving a soft, chewy interior. The cookies continue setting as they cool.

Butter-to-Flour Ratio

The ingredients are balanced to keep the cookies dense enough for chew, but not cakey or doughy.

Rolling in Sugar

Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar helps create a crisp outer shell that contrasts beautifully with the chewy interior.

These intentional details give you cookies with structure, softness, and that nostalgic flavor that tastes like the holidays.

---

Ingredients for Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

This recipe includes no pork, no bacon, no wine, no alcohol, no beer, and no whisky.

You’ll Need:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (not natural or oily)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 24–28 chocolate kisses

This recipe yields about 24–28 cookies depending on scoop size.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• all-purpose flour

• baking soda

• baking powder

• salt

Set aside.

Cream Butter, Peanut Butter & Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat:

• softened butter

• creamy peanut butter

• brown sugar

• granulated sugar

Mix until smooth and fluffy—about 1–2 minutes.
This foundation creates the perfect chewy texture.

Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in:

• the egg

• vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and fully incorporated.

Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.

Mix on low speed until the dough forms and no flour pockets remain.

Shape the Dough

1. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough.

2. Roll them into balls.

3. Roll each ball in granulated sugar.

4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Leave enough spacing for the cookies to spread slightly.

Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

The cookies should:

• appear puffy

• be lightly cracked

• look soft in the center

Remove from oven immediately when the edges barely set.

Add Chocolate Centers

While cookies are warm:

• press one chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie

• press gently but firmly

The cookie will crack naturally around the chocolate—this is perfect.

Cool

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

As they cool, they firm slightly while staying chewy inside.

---

Tips for Ultra-Chewy Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

To level up your chewy texture, follow these expert techniques:

Don’t Overbake

Under-bake by 1–2 minutes to maintain softness.

Use Creamy Peanut Butter

Oily, natural peanut butter creates spreading and dryness.

Choose Fresh Brown Sugar

Old brown sugar becomes crumbly and affects texture.

Roll Dough Balls Tightly

Firm dough balls create a denser, chewier finish.

Keep the Butter Soft, Not Melted

Too-soft butter yields flat cookies; too-firm butter yields puffy ones.

Add Chocolate Immediately

Press chocolate into the cookies while still warm.

Following these steps helps replicate bakery-level chewiness.

---

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Variations

Once you master the chewy classic, try one of these festive alternatives:

Dark Chocolate Blossoms

Use dark chocolate drops for a bold, rich variation.

Double Peanut Butter Blossoms

Replace the chocolate kiss with a mini peanut butter cup.

Cinnamon Sugar Blossoms

Roll dough balls in cinnamon-sugar for a snickerdoodle twist.

Sparkle Blossoms

Use red, green, or gold sugar crystals instead of granulated sugar.

Stuffed Blossoms

Press a chocolate truffle into the center for a gooey surprise.

Caramel Drizzle Blossoms

Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel for an indulgent version.

These variations keep your holiday baking interesting, colorful, and fun.

---

How to Make Your Peanut Butter Blossoms Look Bakery-Perfect

With the right techniques, your cookies can look just as good as they taste:

• Roll dough balls evenly for consistent sizing

• Use a cookie scoop for perfect shape

• Bake on parchment or silicone mats

• Press chocolate into cookies while warm to create symmetrical cracks

• Let cookies cool completely before packaging

These details create picture-perfect peanut butter blossom cookies worthy of holiday gift boxes.

---

How to Store Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chewy cookies need moisture retention—proper storage matters.

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.

Add a small piece of bread nearby to keep cookies soft.

Refrigeration

Refrigerate for up to a week, though room-temperature storage keeps texture softer.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze cookies in airtight bags for up to 2 months.

To serve: thaw at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

Freezing Dough Balls

Freeze dough balls on a tray, then store in bags for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

Roll in sugar right before baking.

---

Using These Cookies for Holiday Gifting & Parties

Chewy peanut butter blossoms shine on:

• Christmas cookie platters

• Holiday dessert boards

• Cookie exchange parties

• Teacher appreciation gifts

• Homemade cookie tins

• Winter party buffets

• Christmas Eve treat trays

• Edible gift boxes

Their classic look and nostalgic flavor make them a universal holiday favorite.

---

Troubleshooting Guide

Cookies Are Dry

Possible causes:

• overbaking

• too much flour

• using natural peanut butter

Solution: reduce bake time or add 1–2 teaspoons milk next time.

Cookies Spread Too Much

Possible causes:

• overly soft butter

• warm kitchen

• natural peanut butter

Solution: chill dough 10 minutes before baking.

Cookies Didn’t Crack

Ensure dough balls are rolled firmly and baked on the center rack.

Chocolate Melts Too Much

Let cookies cool slightly before moving trays.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The brown sugar content and slightly under-baked center create signature chewiness.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture will be more rustic.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate drops.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Not recommended. It makes cookies oily and flat.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Only if your kitchen is warm or cookies spread too much.

Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Why did my cookies turn hard?
They were likely overbaked. Pull them out as soon as edges set.

Can the dough be made ahead?
Yes—refrigerate up to 48 hours or freeze dough balls.

How many cookies does this recipe make?
Usually 24–28 cookies depending on ball size.

---

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Baking Tradition

Peanut butter blossoms are more than just cookies—they’re part of the season. They appear in cookie tins, decorate holiday platters, and bring instant comfort with one bite. This chewy version takes the classic we love and elevates it to a richer, softer, more irresistible level.

They’re easy enough for quick weeknight baking, festive enough for Christmas gatherings, and delicious enough to be requested year after year.

With golden edges, sugar-coated surfaces, warm peanut butter flavor, and perfectly set chocolate centers, chewy peanut butter blossom cookies embody everything a holiday treat should be.

Bake them once, and you’ll return to this recipe each holiday season.

---

Final Thoughts

These chewy peanut butter blossom cookies offer the perfect balance of nostalgia, flavor, and texture—soft and tender inside, lightly crisp outside, and topped with creamy chocolate. They’re simple, beautiful, and guaranteed to be a standout cookie for any celebration.

Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or sending them off in cookie exchange boxes, these blossoms will spark holiday cheer with every bite.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth, sweetness, and the classic aroma of Christmas baking.