Name: Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch salt; ½ cup butter (softened); ½ cup peanut butter (creamy); ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed); ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted); 24 unwrapped chocolate kisses (for peanut butter blossoms); ¼ cup jam or filling of choice (for thumbprint cookies)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

I absolutely adore making Peanut Butter Blossoms, and this Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family. It’s not just about the classic peanut butter cookie with a chocolate kiss nestled in the center; this recipe lets me switch things up into crinkle cookies and jam-filled thumbprints as well. Each variation offers its own delightful twist, making it a fun and versatile treat I can enjoy any time of year. I love how approachable it is, too, with simple ingredients and straight-forward steps that always guarantee that perfect balance of rich peanut butter flavor with a sweet, chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe

What truly makes this recipe special to me is the irresistible flavor harmony that hits your taste buds with every bite. The creamy peanut butter blends beautifully with the soft cookie dough, creating a nutty richness that’s perfectly complimented by the bright, melty chocolate kiss sitting right in the middle. When I make the crinkle version, I get a delightfully chewy exterior coated with sugar that contrasts so well with the moist inside. And for the thumbprints filled with jam, I love how the fruity sweetness adds a fresh pop that changes the entire cookie experience.

This recipe is also a dream to prepare. I appreciate how it combines classic baking techniques with fun finishing touches that anyone can do easily, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The fact that you can make three different cookie styles from the same dough makes it such a clever, time-saving approach, especially when baking for parties or gatherings. I often whip these up for holidays, cookie exchanges, or just cozy afternoons at home, knowing they’ll be gobbled up quickly. Its versatility and delicious outcomes genuinely set this recipe apart and keep me coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A baking tray lined with crumpled gray baking paper holds 11 round cookies arranged in four rows. Each cookie is light golden brown with small cracks on the surface, topped in the center with a smooth, shiny dark brown chocolate piece, giving a two-layer look. The tray is dark and contrasts with the cookies and paper, and the background beneath the tray is a white marbled surface. The image has a soft natural light, showing the texture of the cookies clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential to get the perfect texture and flavor for all three cookie styles. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter to the specific sugars that provide sweetness and texture, all the way to the chocolate and jam that bring each variation to life.

All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups + 2 tbsp): Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the cookie dough.
Baking soda (¾ tsp): Adds just the right lift so the cookies stay soft and cakey.
Salt (a pinch): Enhances the peanut butter flavor without being overpowering.
Butter, softened (½ cup): Creates a rich, creamy texture that moistens the dough perfectly.
Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star of the show – its nutty flavor makes these cookies irresistible.
Brown sugar (½ cup, lightly packed): Adds depth and moistness with its caramel notes.
Powdered sugar (½ cup, sifted, plus another ½ cup for rolling): Creates a delicate texture and helps with the signature crinkle effect.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Used in coating some cookie varieties to add a sweet crunch.
Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, balanced sweetness to enhance all flavors.
Chocolate kisses (24 unwrapped): The classic finishing touch for the Peanut Butter Blossoms version.
Jam or filling of choice (¼ cup): Perfect for adding a fruity twist in the thumbprint cookies.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside; it’s the foundation for the perfect cookie texture.

Step 2: In a stand mixer or a medium bowl using a hand mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until the mixture looks fluffy, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key to getting that light, airy dough texture.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until everything is fully incorporated. Then, on low speed, gradually mix in the dry ingredients just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix since that could make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and ensuring the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Take the dough from the fridge and shape it into balls slightly smaller than golf balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll the dough balls in sugar before placing them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them to allow for spreading.

Step 6: Now, depending on your desired cookie style: for crinkle cookies, roll the dough balls first in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar to encourage that gorgeously cracked surface. For thumbprint cookies, after rolling in sugar, press your thumb or the back of a wooden spoon into the center to create an indentation for filling later.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) while the cookies chill briefly in the fridge during this time.

Step 8: Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. If you’re making the classic Peanut Butter Blossoms, remove the tray and immediately press an unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. For thumbprints, re-indent the center after baking. Allow all cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Once thumbprint cookies have cooled thoroughly, fill the indentations with your favorite jam or spread. Crinkle cookies just need a few minutes longer on the sheet to set before cooling on the rack.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 36 cookies, which is perfect for sharing with neighbors, friends, or keeping a generous stash at home. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, plus an hour for chilling the dough to achieve the best texture. Baking takes around 12 minutes per batch, with an additional 10-15 minutes of cooling time on the cookie sheets before moving to wire racks. Altogether, expect roughly 1 hour and 42 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade cookies without a rush.

How to Serve This Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe

A dark gray metal plate filled with about twelve round cookies is placed on a red cloth over a white marbled surface. The cookies come in two main types: some have rough, cracked light brown tops sprinkled with large sugar crystals, and a few are covered in a light dusting of white icing dust. Others have a smooth, pale beige base with a single large dollop of shiny chocolate in the middle, and a few have a bright red or light orange jam dollop in the center instead. The cookies are arranged casually, some overlapping each other. In the background, there are green holly leaves with white edges and clusters of red berries, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe treats, I love keeping it simple yet thoughtful. They are fantastic at room temperature alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea—the warmth brings out the aromas perfectly. For parties or gatherings, I like arranging them on festive platters with a mix of all three types so guests can try each variation. Adding a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar just before serving can make them look even more irresistible.

If you want to elevate your presentation, filling small bowls with extra jam or melted chocolate next to the thumbprint cookies invites a bit of interactive fun, allowing guests to customize their treats. For beverage pairings, a glass of cold milk is classic and soothing, but I have also enjoyed serving these with light dessert wines or creamy cocktails when entertaining adults. They’re always a hit during holiday cookie swaps, family celebrations, or even casual weekend baking projects.

Portion-wise, a couple of cookies per person is usually perfect alongside other desserts or snacks, but these cookies are so satisfying that they can easily star as the main treat. I prefer serving them at room temperature to maintain the perfect chewy yet soft texture, although the chocolate kiss versions are also lovely when slightly warmed to make the centers extra gooey and melty.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe is how easy it is to adapt to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these cookies without compromise. If you want a vegan option, replacing the butter with plant-based margarine and using a flax egg instead of a chicken egg works wonderfully, though I recommend trying it out once before making a big batch to dial in texture.

Flavor-wise, I’ve experimented by adding a pinch of cinnamon or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle warmth and depth. For the thumbprint cookies, playing with different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd keeps things exciting and fresh. You can even swap the classic chocolate kisses for peanut butter cups or caramels to add an unexpected twist that impresses every time.

For those who prefer a slightly crispy edge, I suggest baking the cookies a minute or two longer, watching them carefully to avoid overbaking. Alternatively, you can roll the dough balls in chopped nuts before baking to add a lovely textural contrast and extra flavor. It’s a simple change that can make these peanut butter cookies feel totally new!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Peanut Butter Blossoms in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days this way, if you manage not to eat them all first! For longer storage, keeping them in the fridge extends their life slightly, but I find room temperature keeps the best texture intact.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these cookies, which is especially handy if you want to bake ahead for holiday treats. I recommend wrapping the cookies individually in plastic wrap or foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, and they’ll be just as delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the cookies in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes—this warms them through and refreshes the softness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery or overly soft. If reheating the chocolate kiss variety, a gentle warm-up melts the chocolate perfectly, just like fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using chunky peanut butter will add little bits of peanuts throughout your cookies, giving extra texture and a more intense peanut flavor. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the dough’s consistency, but it usually works beautifully.

What’s the best way to make the crinkle cookies look perfect?

Rolling the dough balls first in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar before baking is key. This double coating creates that signature crackled surface as the dough expands. Also, chilling the dough well before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and develop more defined cracks.

Can I substitute the chocolate kiss with other chocolates?

Definitely! I’ve swapped in mini peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates, or even white chocolate kisses depending on what I have on hand. Each offers a unique flavor twist that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter base.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is essential. Also, be sure not to over-creaming the butter and sugar during mixing; over-creaming can cause too much air incorporation, which leads to spreading. Finally, placing the dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet gives them room to expand evenly without merging.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and ensure your chocolate kisses are dairy-free as well. You might want to test a small batch first to adjust baking times or textures, but it’s a great way to enjoy these treats on a dairy-free diet.

Conclusion

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this Peanut Butter Blossoms – Three Ways Recipe at home. It’s a joyful baking experience that yields a trio of delicious cookies, each with its own charm. From the classic chocolate-topped blossoms to the charming thumbprint jam treats and the festive crinkle cookies, there’s something here for everyone’s taste buds. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved staple in your cookie repertoire just as they are in mine!