Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Recipe

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about biting into a warm peanut butter blossom cookie. With its perfectly soft peanut butter base and that classic Hershey’s Kiss nestled right in the center, it’s a treat that’s been gracing holiday cookie trays since the 1950s. But what if you could take that childhood favorite and give it a festive upgrade? That’s exactly what we’re doing with this Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Recipe — keeping the iconic flavor you love, but adding a playful Christmas tree twist on top.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Taste and Texture
• Dietary Notes
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• How to Decorate the Christmas Tree Topping
• Expert Tips and Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts
• More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
• Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Recipe

This version is not just delicious, it’s visually fun, easy to decorate, and an absolute hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re gearing up for a cookie exchange, planning a cozy family baking day, or just craving a sweet seasonal treat, this recipe checks all the boxes.

this recipe

And for even more festive cookie ideas, don’t miss these other fun recipes:
Witch Hat Cookies (No Bake Halloween Treat)
Christmas Kiss Cookies Recipe
Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy for All Skill Levels

This is a no-stress recipe that doesn’t require any fancy tools or techniques. The dough comes together quickly, bakes fast, and decorating is as easy as a swirl of frosting and a sprinkle of color.

Classic with a Festive Twist

You still get the rich peanut butter flavor and soft cookie texture of the original blossom cookie. But the added swirl of green frosting and colorful sprinkles turns each one into a miniature edible Christmas tree.

Perfect for Holiday Baking

These cookies are tailor-made for holiday parties, gift boxes, school events, or a fun December weekend with the kids. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them, too.

Taste and Texture

• The cookie itself is soft and tender, with just a little crunch from the sugar-coated exterior.
• The peanut butter is creamy and nutty without being overpowering.
• A milk chocolate Hershey’s Kiss adds the perfect melty center.
• The frosting adds a sweet, smooth texture and the sprinkles give a cheerful, crunchy pop.

Dietary Notes

• Not vegan, but it can be modified easily.
• Contains peanuts and eggs.
• Made with Crisco instead of butter for extra structure, making it easier to decorate without the cookie crumbling.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Full Ingredient List

For the cookie base:

• ½ cup butter-flavored Crisco
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 24 unwrapped Hershey’s Kisses
• ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

For decorating:

• ¼ cup vanilla frosting
• 2 to 3 drops green food coloring
• 2 tablespoons rainbow nonpareils
• 24 small star sprinkles

Notes on Ingredient Quality

Using Crisco instead of butter might surprise you, but it’s a smart move here. It gives the cookie a thicker structure and helps prevent spreading, which is important when you’re pressing chocolate into the center. Choose a smooth peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best texture.

Fresh Hershey’s Kisses work best. Avoid ones that have been sitting in the pantry too long, as they may turn crumbly or bloom with white streaks.

For frosting, you can absolutely use store-bought vanilla or make your own buttercream. If making your own, be sure it’s a stiff consistency to hold its shape when piped.

Substitution Ideas

• Peanut allergy? Try sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a substitute, but note that texture and flavor will change slightly.
• No Crisco? Use unsalted butter. Just be aware the cookies will spread a bit more.
• Frosting flavor: Swap vanilla for cream cheese frosting for a tangy balance.

How to Make Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or lightly greasing.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the Crisco, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Add the egg and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough is thick and well combined.
5. Scoop dough using a medium cookie scoop or 1½ tablespoons. Roll each into a smooth ball.

6. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
7. Place cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they just start to crack on top. Don’t overbake.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. Then gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each.

9. Transfer cookies to a new cool baking sheet, then place in the freezer for 10 minutes to fully set the chocolate and firm up the cookie.

How to Decorate the Christmas Tree Topping

1. In a small bowl, tint the vanilla frosting with green food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.
2. Scoop frosting into a small zip-top bag. Cut a tiny triangle from one corner.

3. Starting at the base of the Hershey’s Kiss, pipe a swirl upward to form a tree-like shape.
4. Place a small star sprinkle at the top of each tree.

5. Decorate the swirl with rainbow nonpareils to look like ornaments or lights.
6. Allow frosting to set completely before storing or serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For Perfect Cookies Every Time

• Use a cookie scoop to keep sizes consistent for even baking.
• If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Unwrap all your Hershey’s Kisses before you start baking so you can press them in while the cookies are still warm but not too hot.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies. Look for small cracks on top as your signal to pull them out.
• Don’t press the Kiss in immediately out of the oven. Give it a couple of minutes or the chocolate may melt too much.
• Frosting won’t stick if the Kiss is still cold from the freezer. Let it return to room temp slightly before piping.

Time-Saving Suggestions

• Prepare the cookie dough ahead and freeze pre-rolled balls. Just bake as needed.
• Use store-bought frosting to simplify decorating.
• Batch bake the cookies in advance and decorate the day you serve or gift them.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with These Cookies

• These cookies shine on a holiday dessert table or cookie tray with other festive treats.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk, hot cocoa, or even a peppermint mocha.
• Serve as part of a cookie decorating party setup and let guests or kids do the frosting and sprinkles.

How to Style and Plate

• Stack cookies on a tiered tray for visual appeal.
• Arrange on a red or green platter with small candy canes for decoration.
• Wrap individually in cellophane with ribbon for a thoughtful edible gift.

Beverage Pairings

• Classic: Whole milk or almond milk
• Fancy: Peppermint hot chocolate or chai latte
• For adults: A glass of tawny port or spiced holiday wine

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, place undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating.

Best Reheating Methods

• If you prefer a warm cookie, microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. Be careful — the Kiss melts fast.
• Avoid the oven for reheating unless you're refreshing a whole tray at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fun Variations

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

• Use vegan shortening or coconut oil
• Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoon water)
• Choose vegan chocolate and dairy-free frosting

Spice It Up

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a subtle warmth
• Stir a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy surprise

Different Holiday Themes

• Use red or white frosting for Valentine’s Day
• Swap green for pastel colors and star sprinkle for Easter or springtime cookies
• Go silver and gold with edible glitter for New Year’s Eve

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Blossom Cookie Recipe with a Christmas tree twist is proof that you can keep tradition while still adding your own personal flair. It’s sweet, fun, and practically guaranteed to bring joy wherever it goes. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or just indulging in some holiday spirit, this recipe belongs on your list this season.

If you give these a try, be sure to share your photos and tag us. We’d love to see your festive creations. You can also find more ideas and inspiration over on Pinterest at bakewithlina.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

More Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

• Witch Hat Cookies (Easy No-Bake Halloween Treat)
• Christmas Kiss Cookies Recipe
• Hershey’s Red Velvet Blossoms Cookies

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